After months of speculation, former Governor of Kano, Mal. Ibrahim Shekarau and former Senator representing Kano North Senatorial district formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), boosting the strength of the ruling party in the state.
Shekarau, member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustee had earlier dumped the opposition party citing overwhelming leadership crisis as compelling reason to quit.
Shekarau’s eventual defection to APC came after consistent lobbies by National Chairman of the ruling party Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf who visited his private residence in Kano.
The ex- Minister of Education who had equally visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu few weeks ago pledged to disclose the next line of action after wide consultation.
Addressing hundreds supporters at his residence on Sunday, Shekarau revealed that APC remains the only reliable and alternative platform to drive his ambition among other options.
Shekarau said, “we weight several options after realizing that PDP has permanently crashed out as a Political Party. The choice of APC became a readily options that I and my supporters agreed to join”.
He said prior to the acceptance, he consulted with his Shura Council, elders committee, Board members, and all others that matters in his movement added that the choice of APC was a consensus of all parties involved in decision making.
“We have fervently prayed, deliberated on our movements and make serious contacts, talk to everybody, and finally accept and agreed to decamp to APC which is today the best Party that cares for Nigerians”. Shekarau affirmed.
On why the choice of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Shekarau posited that the coalition is congested with people of personal interest rather than the interest of Nigerian.
“We cannot rely on ADC a party filled up with people of personal interests, a party struggling to have their feet, a party facing huge legal problems and a Party that is having their leaders struggling for positions”.
On his part, former Senator under the opposition PDP, Bello Hayyoutu Gwarzo,, said his decision to decamp to APC alongside Shekarau was occasioned by the weakness of the opposition to take part in the recent off season polls in Ekiti and Ondo States.
Meanwhile, Gov. Yusuf, has welcomed former Governor and Senator, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, into the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his return as a major boost to the party’s strength in the state.
In a statement signed by the press secretary, Mustapha Mohammad, Governor Yusuf stated that a date will soon be fixed, in consultation with the national secretariat of the party, for the formal reception of the former Governor into the APC fold.
He noted that the party in Kano continues to witness growing support and consolidation, positioning itself as the most dominant political force in the state.
The Governor added that APC remains battle-ready to win all elective positions in the forthcoming elections, citing unity and strategic alignments as key factors driving the party’s confidence.
He further assured party members and supporters that the leadership is committed to strengthening internal cohesion and expanding its grassroots base across the state.
Governor Yusuf called on party faithful to remain steadfast and continue mobilizing support as the party prepares for future political contests.