Former Governor Shekarau Exit from PDP Triggers Major Political Shake-up in Kano

A former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and rejoined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), triggering what political observers describe as a major political realignment in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections. His resignation was contained in a letter dated April 19, 2026, and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Giginyu Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State .

Shekarau announced his defection to the APC later on Sunday at his residence on Mundubawa Avenue in Kano, which was decorated with APC posters . He left the PDP alongside Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, a prominent chieftain of the opposition party . Addressing party loyalists at the gathering, Shekarau said the decision followed extensive consultations and careful consideration of available political options. “We have weighed all the options and arrived at this collective resolution. Do you all agree?” he asked, urging anyone opposed to the move to speak up .

In his resignation letter to the PDP, Shekarau wrote, “Accept this letter please as notice of my resignation from my position as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with effect from today.” He explained that the decision followed wide and extensive deliberations within his political group to pursue their political career in a different political party . He expressed appreciation to party leadership at the ward level, stating, “I thank you for being a good leader, and pray that Allah will continue to guide you in your stewardship” . The letter was also copied to the Kano State PDP Chairman and the PDP Chairman of Nassarawa Local Government Area, indicating formal notification across party structures .

Shekarau’s move follows months of speculation fueled by the PDP’s deepening internal crises . Earlier in April, during a visit by APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Shekarau had hinted at his impending exit from the PDP, describing the opposition party as plagued by problems that have rendered it ineffective . He told APC stakeholders at the time, “You came at a time we are making final preparations to exit the PDP, which we understand has been severely affected by internal issues. My movement, alongside my Shura Council, supporters and associates, is based on a Kano First agenda. Anything that benefits Kano is where I stand” .

The former governor had also engaged in high-level political meetings, including closed-door discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, further fuelling speculation about his political direction . Shekarau, who governed Kano State from 2003 to 2011 under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), has a long history of political realignments . He was a founding member of the APC but later defected. He left the PDP in 2018 and returned to the APC before he later crossed carpet again . His latest return to the ruling party signals a significant boost for the APC in Kano State as political actors reposition ahead of upcoming electoral contests .