Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has intensified efforts to bring former governor and 2011 ex-presidential candidate, Ibrahim Shekarau, back to the All Progressives Congress (APC), amid ongoing political realignments in the state.
The political landscape in Kano shifted dramatically after Governor Yusuf defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC.
The move was followed by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, NNPP National Leader, who joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In the wake of these developments, Nasir Gawuna, Yusuf’s main challenger in the last gubernatorial election, left the APC for ADC and was personally welcomed by Kwankwaso during his registration.
Upon returning from Abuja, Governor Yusuf reportedly sent a stern warning to the ADC camp, stating, “They will never win Kano. Our people know who truly represents them.”
Sources close to the governor revealed that Yusuf met with Shekarau in Abuja last week, in what insiders describe as strategic consultations aimed at persuading the elder statesman to return to the APC fold. The governor was accompanied by Umar Haruna Doguwa, APC Chairman in Kano State.
A source familiar with Shekarau’s camp revealed that the meeting was part of broader negotiations. “The talks are ongoing. Governor Yusuf is making every effort to bring him back to APC,” the source said.
Shekarau, who previously served as Minister of Education, recently hinted at leaving the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) but ruled out joining the opposition ADC. He remains a highly respected figure in Kano politics and is seen as a potential game-changer ahead of the 2027 elections.
While the two-term former governor has not publicly declared his next political move, insiders believe his eventual return to the APC could reshape the political dynamics in Kano.
