Former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant shift in the political landscape of Kano.
Shekarau made the announcement on Sunday at his residence, known as the Mundubawa Palace, following weeks of consultations with political allies and stakeholders.
He defected alongside Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, a prominent PDP figure.
Addressing supporters at the gathering, Shekarau said the decision was reached after carefully weighing available political options.
“We have weighed all the options and arrived at this collective resolution,” he stated, seeking the endorsement of his loyalists, who responded with unanimous approval.
The development comes shortly after the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, visited Shekarau and Gwarzo in Kano as part of efforts to woo influential opposition leaders ahead of future elections.
During the visit, Yilwatda appealed to both men to return to the ruling party, describing himself as their “son” in need of their political guidance and support.
Shekarau had earlier acknowledged the visit as a sign of respect but maintained that consultations were ongoing and any final decision would prioritise the interests of Kano State.
The defection also follows recent engagements with Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, underscoring intensifying political realignments in the state as key actors reposition ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
