Former Kano State governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after weeks of political consultations.
He formally dumped the party alongside Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, who like him was a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The duo announced their decision at a 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, Prof. 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.
“My movement, alongside my Shura Council, supporters and associates, is based on a Kano First agenda. Anything that benefits Kano is where I stand,” he said.
The defection also follows recent political engagements involving the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who visited Shekarau at his residence, as political realignments intensify in the state.
Earlier, Shekarau, the Sardaunan Kano, submitted a letter of resignation from the PDP.
The resignation letter, which he personally signed was dated April 19, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of the PDP Giginyu Ward of Nasarawa Local Government Area (LGA), Kano State.
Part of the letter reads “Accept this letter please as notice of my resignation from my position as member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with effect from today Sunday April 19, 2026.
“This decision follows wide and and extensive deliberations within my political group, to pursue our political career in a different political party.Politics.
“Kindly note that this correspondence is copied to Kano state PDP Chairman and the PDP Chairman of Nasarawa Local Government Area.”
The former Education Minister had also visited President Bola Tinubu before he received Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
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