Olayiwola Matthew
Former Kano State governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after weeks of political consultations.
He dumped the party alongside Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The duo announced their decision at a well-attended gathering held at Shekarau’s residence, popularly known as Mundubawa Palace, in Kano, on Sunday.
Addressing party loyalists, Shekarau said the decision followed wide 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, urging anyone opposed to the move to speak up.
The crowd responded with unanimous support, signaling acceptance of the defection.
The move comes days after the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, visited Shekarau and Gwarzo at the same residence as part of efforts to woo key opposition figures ahead of future elections.
During the visit, Yilwatda appealed to the two leaders to return to the APC, describing himself as their “son” who needed their guidance and political support.
He also urged their associates to persuade them to rejoin the ruling party in the interest of unity among northern political actors.
Responding at the time, Shekarau commended the APC chairman for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of respect and commitment, but noted that consultations were still ongoing and no immediate decision would be taken.
He had emphasised that any political move would be guided by the interest of Kano State.
The defection also followed recent political engagements involving the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who visited Shekarau at his residence, as political realignments intensify in the state.
