2027: APC, ADC step up raid on PDP
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) yesterday stepped up efforts at winning over key figures in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) group backed by
- From Faneh Ihyongo, Kano, Tony Akowe and Dele Anofi, Abuja
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) yesterday stepped up efforts at winning over key figures in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) group backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
National Chairman of the APC, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, was in Kano, where he held talks with former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and Senator Hayatu Gwarzo.
Yilwatda’s visit came barely 48 hours after Shekarau met with Governor Abba Yusuf in a bid to fast-track the return of his predecessor to the APC.
In Abuja, factional ADC National Chairman David Mark hosted key leaders of the PDP members, who are loyal to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
With Makinde were Tanimu Turaki, former Senate President Adolphus Wabara; erstwhile Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, Prof Jerry Gana and Ini Ememobong.
In Mark’s company, the hosts were: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; one-time Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso; and former governors Peter Obi (Anambra); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto); former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal and ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi.
Shekarau, who did not hide his plan to dump the PDP, was encouraged to rejoin the APC.
Yilwatda emphasised the importance of unity among northern leaders, citing the region’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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Describing Shekarau as a “sincere man and decent politician who has remained relevant because of the lives he impacted when he was governor”, Yilwatda solicited his experience and leadership, urging him to hop on the APC ship.
He highlighted federal projects, including a gas pipeline and rail line, as well as multiple appointments from the region, especially Kano, as evidence of the Tinubu Administration’s commitment to the North’s development.
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Yilwatda stressed the need for northern unity, recalling the region’s support for former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure and advocating for the South to complete its turn in power under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said: “We are here to ensure Kano is settled, to ask that you, being one of the pillars in Nigerian politics, with followers across Nigeria, the APC needs you.
“The APC and Mr. President need leaders like you (Shekarau) to help, support and build the party to win elections next year.
“Let us all come to the APC. Your son (Yilwatda) in the APC is pleading; I cannot do it alone. Together, we can build a very strong and formidable platform to help the North.”
Expressing gratitude for the visit, Mallam Shekarau lamented internal challenges within the PDP and hinted at consulting stakeholders before making his next move public.
Shekarau appreciated the APC national chairman for finding time to visit him, describing the move as a show of respect, seriousness and commitment.
“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”, the former Kano helmsman said.
Shekarau further stated that the visit was well-timed, coming at a time he was reviewing his political future with associates, taking cognisance of internal challenges within the opposition parties.
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“In two days or in the next couple of days, I will make my position known,” Shekarau assured his guest.
“You have come at a time when we are also searching for a solution to the cancer that has infected us in the PDP. We don’t know whether it is a real cancer or not,” Shekarau said.
The former governor, however, said he could not immediately decide without consulting members of his political family.
“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 said: “Whatever we do will be put on the scale of Kano first. Let me assure you that my movement alongside the Shura Council and all other supporters, friends and well-wishers is Kano first - anything in the interest of Kano is where I stand.
“There is a terrible turmoil in the PDP political environment. PDP has been infected by a very serious cancer, whether deliberate or real, and we had commenced diagnoses and research for treatment long before now.
“We had set up committees to x-ray various political parties. If the scale tilts towards you, it’s God. And if not, it’s still God. We shall let you know in a few days.”
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PDP group’s meeting with ADC
A post on the PDP group’s X platform confirmed the meeting at Mark’s Apo District residence, Abuja.
It followed an early-hour protest by the Mark-led ADC NWC against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
But, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who had earlier opened discussions with the ADC leadership, was not in attendance.
A source told The Nation that the Bauchi governor was scheduled to attend the meeting. No reason was given for his absence.
Others at the meeting in Mark’s house were: former PDP National Women Leader Inna Ciroma; Senator Tunde Ogbeha; Senator Liyel Imoke; Gen. Ishaya Bamayi, and a member of the House of Reps, Fred Agbedi.
Details of discussions at the meeting remained unknown as of press time, but Makinde said the visit was in solidarity with the ADC leadership’s battle against a one-party state.
Ememobong corroborated the governor in a statement, saying the PDP leadership decided to pay a solidarity visit to their colleagues in ADC over the recent political attacks targeted at Nigeria’s opposition parties.
