Former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau has rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC), defecting from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He announced his return on Sunday at his residence on Mundubawa Avenue, Kano, where the venue was adorned with APC posters. He was accompanied by Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, a prominent PDP chieftain.
Addressing supporters, Shekarau said the decision followed wide consultations and a careful review of political options.
“We have weighed all the options and arrived at this collective resolution. Do you all agree?” he asked, calling on anyone opposed to speak up.
His defection came hours after he submitted a resignation letter to the PDP’s ward chairman in Giginyu, Nassarawa Local Government Area. Dated April 19, 2026, the letter stated his exit took immediate effect.
“Accept this letter please as notice of my resignation from my position as member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with effect from today,” he wrote.
He thanked the ward leadership, adding: “I thank you for being a good leader, and pray that Allah will continue to guide you in your stewardship.”
Copies of the letter were sent to the Kano State PDP Chairman and the Nassarawa LGA PDP Chairman.
Shekarau’s move ends months of speculation fueled by internal crises within the PDP. During an April visit by APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Shekarau had hinted at his departure, describing the opposition party as ineffective and plagued by problems.
He has also held closed-door meetings with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf.
Shekarau, who governed Kano from 2003 to 2011 under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), has a history of party switching. He was a founding member of the APC, left for the PDP in 2018, returned to the APC, and later crossed back to the PDP before this latest return.
