Ibrahim Shekarau, former Kano State governor, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following weeks of political consultations.
He made the move alongside Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The announcement was made on Sunday during a well-attended gathering at Shekarau’s residence, popularly known as Mundubawa Palace, in Kano.
Addressing supporters, Shekarau said the decision followed extensive consultations and careful consideration of available political options.
“We have weighed all the options and arrived at this collective resolution. Do you all agree?” he asked. The crowd responded in agreement, signalling broad acceptance of the move.
BusinessDay reports that the defection came days after Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, visited Shekarau and Gwarzo at the same residence.
During the visit, Yilwatda appealed to the two leaders to return to the APC, describing himself as a “son” seeking their guidance and support, while also urging their associates to persuade them in the interest of northern political unity.
In his response at the time, Shekarau commended the APC chairman’s visit as a mark of respect and engagement but noted that consultations were still ongoing and no final decision had been taken then. He stressed that any political alignment would be guided by the interest of Kano State.
The latest development came amid intensified political realignments in Kano, following recent engagements involving Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and key political stakeholders in the state.
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