Former Kano State Governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau is poised to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following a high-level outreach by the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, who personally visited Shekarau’s residence in Kano on Wednesday. The visit, part of a broader APC strategy to consolidate political support in the North, saw Yilwatda appeal to Shekarau’s sense of duty and legacy, urging him to rejoin the party he helped found. The APC leader described himself as “your son” and pleaded for Shekarau’s mentorship and leadership during a critical phase for the party.
The meeting took place at Shekarau’s Mundubawa residence in Kano, where Yilwatda also held discussions with Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, another key political figure in the state. Yilwatda emphasized the need for unity among northern political heavyweights, stressing that the APC cannot succeed alone without the experience and influence of leaders like Shekarau. He appealed not only to Shekarau but also to his followers and associates, urging them to support a return to the APC for the sake of building a strong alliance in the North.
Earlier, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted Shekarau in Lagos during the Easter break, where they discussed the modalities of his potential return to the APC. This was followed by visits from Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, APC state chairman Haruna Doguwa, and other party and government officials, all engaging in discussions about Shekarau’s possible defection. These efforts reflect the APC’s intensified campaign to win back influential figures from opposition parties, especially in key states like Kano.
Shekarau, currently a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, is reportedly conducting serious consultations with his Shura Council, his highest political advisory group, before making a final decision. He acknowledged the significance of Yilwatda’s personal visit, calling it a sign of respect and commitment from the APC leadership. “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,” Shekarau said, highlighting the sincerity of the outreach.
He noted that the timing of the visit was crucial, as he and his team are actively reviewing the political landscape, particularly the internal challenges within the PDP. “We are searching for a solution to the cancer that has infected us in the PDP,” he said, adding that the matter would be discussed further. However, Shekarau made it clear that no immediate decision would be made, assuring that consultations are ongoing and that any final move would be guided by the principle of “Kano first.”
The political realignment in Kano continues to unfold, with the APC making strategic moves to strengthen its position ahead of upcoming elections. The potential return of Shekarau would be a major boost for the party’s credibility and influence in the North, especially as it seeks to consolidate power and address regional concerns. The coming days will be critical as stakeholders await Shekarau’s final decision, which could reshape the political dynamics in Kano and beyond.
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