Shekarau in talks with Yusuf on likely return to APC
By Fanen Ihyongo, Kano Former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau has been discussing his likely return to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The Nation
By Fanen Ihyongo, Kano
Former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau has been discussing his likely return to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The Nation learnt that during their closed-door meetings, which are a part of ongoing political realignments in Kano State, Shekarau reportedly spoke about his intention to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but ruled out joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Shekarau, a respected elder statesman, is seen as a potential game-changer, and his return to the APC could significantly impact the 2027 general election.
Governor Yusuf, who recently dumped the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) to the APC, is keen on strengthening his position and securing support for his re-election and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term bid across the state.
In the course of hosting the Kano State governor alongside APC State Chairman Umar Haruna Doguwa and Transportation Commissioner Haruna Isa Dederi at his Kano residence on Sunday evening, Shekarau got Yusuf’s assurance that his interest would be safe should he rejoin the ruling party.
While Shekarau has not made a public declaration, insiders stated that serious negotiations are ongoing.
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It was gathered that Shekarau, a former Education Minister, reportedly decided on his political move after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos at the invitation of the President.
Shekarau’s spokesman, Sule Yau Sule, yesterday confirmed his principal’s recent meetings with Governor Yusuf and President Tinubu while addressing reporters in Kano.
The former minister’s aide said the final decision on Shekarau’s next political destination would be made public after the final consultations.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement, led by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had wooed Shekarau for an alignment with the ADC, but Shekarau refused, preferring a different platform, it was learnt.
At the peak of the controversy that surrounded Governor Yusuf’s defection to APC, Shekarau publicly defended the governor’s decision to defect from the NNPP to the ruling party.
He said it was the legitimate exercise of his political rights.
Shekarau dismissed allegations of betrayal by another former governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The former minister stressed that political realignments are normal and that Kwankwaso himself had previously defected.
It was gathered that Shekarau had left the APC when Kwankwaso joined the party and dominated it at his detriment.
The Nation learnt that the development was among the reasons he turned down Kwankwaso’s recent invitation to ADC, preferring to realign with the APC.
Sources told our correspondent that Shekarau’s meeting with Governor Yusuf on his possible realignment with the APC “appeared to be successful”.
