FORMER Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after weeks of political consultations and mounting speculation over his next political move.
News Point Nigeria reports that Shekarau made the move alongside Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), signaling a significant shift in Kano’s political landscape.
The duo announced their decision on Sunday at a well-attended gathering held at Shekarau’s residence, popularly known as Mundubawa Palace, in Kano, where party loyalists and supporters gathered in large numbers.
Addressing the crowd, Shekarau explained that the decision followed wide-ranging consultations and careful consideration of all available political options.
“We have weighed all the options and arrived at this collective resolution. Do you all agree?” he asked, calling on anyone opposed to the move to make their position known.
The crowd responded with unanimous support, signalling acceptance and endorsement of the defection.
The development 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 that visit, Yilwatda appealed to both leaders to return to the APC, describing himself as their “son” in need of their guidance and political support.
He also urged their associates and loyalists to persuade them to rejoin the ruling party, stressing the importance of unity among political actors in the North.
Responding at the time, Shekarau commended the APC chairman for the personal visit, describing it as a demonstration of respect and commitment, while making it clear that consultations were still ongoing and that no immediate decision would be taken.
He had emphasised that any political move would be guided strictly by the overall interest of Kano State.
The defection also follows recent political engagements involving the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who had earlier visited Shekarau at his residence amid intensifying political realignments across the state.
Prior to the formal announcement of his defection, Shekarau had officially resigned his membership of the PDP, citing what he described as a strategic political realignment.
In a resignation letter dated April 19, 2026, and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Giginyu Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, he stated that his exit from the party took immediate effect.
“Accept this letter please as notice of my resignation from my position as member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with effect from today,” he wrote.
The former Minister of Education explained that the decision followed extensive consultations within his political group and was taken ahead of a planned move to another political party.
“This decision follows wide and extensive deliberations within my political group, to pursue our political career in a different political party,” Shekarau stated.
He also expressed appreciation to the party leadership at the ward level for their support and leadership.
“I thank you for being a good leader, and pray that Allah will continue to guide you in your stewardship,” he added.
The resignation letter was copied to the Kano State PDP Chairman and the PDP Chairman of Nassarawa Local Government Area, indicating that formal notification had been communicated across the party’s structures.
Shekarau’s eventual defection follows months of speculation fueled by the PDP’s deepening internal crisis, which many observers believe weakened the party’s cohesion and effectiveness.
Earlier in April, during the visit by APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, Shekarau had already hinted at his imminent exit from the PDP, describing the opposition party as afflicted by internal problems that had rendered it ineffective.
Addressing APC leaders at the time, he disclosed that consultations regarding his political future were nearing completion, with all available options under consideration.
“You came at a time we are making final preparations to exit the PDP, which we understand has been severely affected by internal issues.
“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.
See the link below for News Point Nigeria’s earlier report on Shekarau’s defection to the APC:
As Shekarau Defects Today, APC Gains Major Ground In Kano Ahead Of 2027