Kano, NIGERIA — Former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr. Shekarau, who served two consecutive terms as governor between 2003 and 2011, announced his resignation at his Mundubawa Avenue residence in Kano on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Okay News reports that the defection followed extensive consultations with his Shura committee (supporters), who approved the move to bolster President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
The National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, formally invited Mr. Shekarau to rejoin the party during a visit to Kano earlier this month. Mr. Shekarau submitted a formal resignation letter dated April 19, 2026, to the Giginyu Ward PDP Chairman, stating that his exit from the opposition party takes immediate effect.
A founding member of the APC, Mr. Shekarau has previously transitioned between several major political parties, including the ANPP, NNPP, and PDP, often driven by local power struggles and his long-standing rivalry with Rabiu Kwankwaso. His return to the ruling party is expected to significantly impact the political landscape in Kano State ahead of the next general election cycle.
The APC leadership has welcomed the former minister’s return, citing his experience and political pedigree as vital to the party’s growth in the North. Bello Hayatu, another prominent PDP chieftain, was also included in the recent outreach efforts by the APC national chairman.
