APC strengthens Kano grip as Shekarau, Hayatu jump ship

A major political shift unfolded in Kano on Sunday as Ibrahim Shekarau, former governor, formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside the party’s Northwest Chairman, Bello Hayytu, and hundreds of supporters.

The defection, which followed weeks of speculation and behind-the-scenes consultations, was confirmed at a gathering of loyalists in Kano, where Shekarau announced that the move came after extensive deliberations and consultations across political blocs.

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Addressing supporters, Shekarau said the decision to leave the PDP was reached after weighing multiple political options, describing the APC as the “most viable platform” at this time.
“We examined several options carefully after concluding that the PDP has effectively collapsed as a political force,” he said.

“Our decision to join the APC came as a fifth option, but one that ultimately proved to be the most acceptable to all stakeholders involved.”

He added that the move had the backing of his political structure, including members of his Shura Council, elders’ committee, and other key allies, stressing that the decision reflected a collective position rather than a personal one.

“We engaged widely, prayed, consulted, and reached out to different interests before arriving at this conclusion. The consensus is that the APC currently offers the best opportunity to serve the people,” Shekarau stated.

The former governor also dismissed the possibility of aligning with newer political platforms, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing concerns over internal instability and leadership struggles within the party.

“We cannot rely on a platform still grappling with internal crises and legal uncertainties,” he said, in an apparent reference to the ADC.

In a similar vein, Hayytu justified his defection by pointing to what he described as the PDP’s declining electoral relevance, particularly its absence in recent bye-elections in parts of the country.

“The inability of the PDP to feature in key electoral contests, including recent bye-elections, clearly indicates that the party is no longer a viable platform,” he said. “Remaining in such a situation poses significant political risks.”

The development marks a significant boost for the APC in Kano, a state widely regarded as a critical battleground in Nigeria’s political landscape. Analysts say Shekarau’s return to the ruling party could trigger further defections and alter existing alignments ahead of future elections.

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Earlier in the day, supporters had gathered in large numbers at Shekarau’s residence in Mundubawa, creating a festive atmosphere as anticipation built around the formal announcement. The high turnout underscored the enduring influence of the former governor, who remains a key figure in Kano politics.

With the latest defection, attention is now shifting to the potential ripple effects within both the APC and PDP, as stakeholders assess how the move may reshape political calculations in the Northwest and beyond.