By Ayo Kehinde
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State 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.
His Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, on Sunday, said Yusuf disclosed that a date would soon be fixed for the formal reception of the former Governor into the APC fold.
This, he said, would be done in consultation with the national secretariat of the party.
He noted that the party continues to witness growing support and consolidation, positioning itself as the most dominant political force in the state.
The Governor said the 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.
He called on party faithful to remain steadfast and continue mobilising support as the party prepares for future political contests.
Shekarau announced his defection on Sunday at his Mumdubawa residence, Kano, alongside Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, a prominent PDP figure, before a gathering of supporters and loyalists.
Addressing the crowd, the former governor said the decision was reached after careful consideration of the available political options open to him.
He sought the opinion of those present, asking if they supported the move, and was met with unanimous approval, signalling collective 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 in an effort to persuade them to return to the ruling party.
During the visit, Yilwatda appealed to both leaders to rejoin the APC, describing himself as their “son” who required their guidance and political backing.
He also called on their associates to encourage their return in the interest of unity among northern political actors.
Shekarau had, at the time, acknowledged the visit and described it as a mark of respect, noting that consultations were ongoing and any eventual decision would be guided by the interests of Kano State.
The defection also follows recent political engagements involving Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who had visited Shekarau amid growing political realignments in the state.
