THE National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, on Wednesday paid a strategic visit to former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, and Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo at Shekarau’s residence, popularly known as Mundubawa Palace, in Kano.
News Point Nigeria reports that the visit is widely viewed as part of renewed efforts by the ruling APC to court influential political figures in Kano State, as shifting alliances and early permutations ahead of future elections begin to reshape the political landscape.
During the meeting, Yilwatda made a direct and emotional appeal to the two political heavyweights, urging them to return to the APC fold. Positioning himself as a political son seeking guidance, the party chairman stressed the importance of their experience and influence.
“Come back home and help me, I am your son. I need your support, I need your mentorship. I am pleading with you to come and help me,” he said.
He further called on party members and associates present at the meeting to join in persuading the leaders, emphasising the need for unity among northern political actors.
“Let us all come back to APC. Your son at the APC is pleading; I cannot do it alone. Together we can build a very strong alliance to help the North,” he added.
Responding, Shekarau commended the APC chairman for making the trip personally, describing the gesture as a demonstration of respect and seriousness.
“You have come to us; it is something you could have sent someone to do or even meet me in Abuja, but you came yourself,” he said.
The former governor disclosed that the visit coincided with a critical period of reflection among him and his political associates, particularly amid internal challenges facing the opposition.
“You came at a time we are also searching for a solution to the cancer that have infected us in the PDP, we don’t know whether it is real cancer or not, however we will discuss that later,” he stated.
Despite the overtures, Shekarau made it clear that no immediate decision would be taken, noting that consultations were still ongoing.
“In a couple of days, you will hear from us whether we will join you or not, but I assure you that you will hear from us,” he added.
He stressed that any eventual political decision would be guided strictly by the broader interest of Kano State.
“Whatever we will do will be put on the scale of ‘Kano first’,” he said.
The development comes just days after Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, also visited Shekarau at the same residence, underscoring the growing political significance of the former governor as various camps intensify efforts to secure his support ahead of the next electoral cycle.