By Joy Yesufu
A former Governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, has defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rejoin the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Shekarau announced his defection on Sunday at his residence on Mundubawa Avenue in Kano, where APC banners and posters adorned the venue, signalling his return to the party.
The former governor, according to reports, defected alongside Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, a prominent PDP chieftain.
Addressing supporters and party loyalists, Shekarau said the decision followed extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the political landscape.
“We have weighed all the options and arrived at this collective resolution. Do you all agree?” he said, inviting dissenting views from attendees.
His defection came hours after he formally resigned from the PDP in a letter dated April 19, 2026, addressed to the party chairman of Giginyu Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
“Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect,” he wrote.
He expressed appreciation to party leaders at the grassroots level, commending their leadership and praying for continued guidance.
Copies of the resignation letter were also sent to the PDP leadership at the local government and state levels, indicating formal notification across party structures.
Shekarau’s exit follows months of speculation linked to the internal crisis within the PDP. The former governor had earlier hinted at his intention to leave the party, describing it as weakened by persistent challenges.
He was also reported to have held consultations with key political figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf.
Shekarau, who governed Kano State between 2003 and 2011 under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), has a long history of political realignments.
He was a founding member of the APC but had previously defected to other parties, including the PDP, before his latest return.
