By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
Former Kano State governor and ex-Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau, has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), signalling a major shift in Kano’s political landscape ahead of expected realignments.
In a resignation letter dated April 19, 2026, addressed to the PDP chairman of Ginginyu Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area, Shekarau said his decision followed extensive consultations with his political associates.
He noted that the move was part of a broader plan to pursue his political career under a different platform.
The former governor stated that the decision was reached after “wide and extensive deliberations” within his political group, adding that he appreciated the leadership of the party at the ward level. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Kano State PDP leadership and the Nassarawa LGA chapter.
Although Shekarau did not explicitly name his next political destination, strong indications point to a return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he helped found before his defection to the PDP.
His resignation follows intensified efforts by APC leaders to woo him back into the ruling party. The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, had recently visited Shekarau at his Mundubawa residence in Kano, appealing for his return and urging him to lend his experience to strengthen the party.
Yilwatda was quoted as making a passionate appeal, describing Shekarau as a political mentor and calling for unity among northern leaders to build a stronger alliance within the APC.
Similarly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had hosted Shekarau in Lagos during the Easter period, where discussions reportedly centred on modalities for his possible return to the ruling party.
Sources indicated that key stakeholders, including Kano State political figures and party officials, have also engaged Shekarau in consultations aimed at facilitating his defection.
Responding to earlier overtures, Shekarau had acknowledged the APC leadership’s efforts, describing the visit by the party chairman as a mark of respect and seriousness.
He had also hinted at internal challenges within the PDP, suggesting the opposition party was grappling with deep-seated issues.
The former governor maintained that any decision on his political future would be taken in consultation with his supporters and guided by the broader interest of Kano State.