From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, on Wednesday visited Kano State in a strategic move to woo former governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, into the ruling party amid growing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Shekarau, a prominent PDP leader in Kano, is reportedly weighing his options following persistent internal disputes rocking the opposition party.
Yilwatda, who led a high-powered delegation including Senator Hayatu Gwarzo, was received at Shekarau’s Mundubawa residence.
Speaking during the visit, the APC chairman described the meeting as both a show of personal respect and a deliberate political outreach aimed at strengthening alliances ahead of future elections.
He hailed Shekarau as “a sincere man and a decent politician,” whose experience and wide political network remain valuable to Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
Describing Kano as his “second home,” Yilwatda noted that the visit was driven by pressing political realities, stressing the need for unity among northern leaders at a critical time.
According to him, the North must remain cohesive to ensure stability and sustained development, recalling the region’s support for former President Muhammadu Buhari to complete his tenure.
He argued that the same principle of fairness should now allow the South to complete its turn under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I am a northerner, and I will not allow anything that will sabotage the North,” he said.
Yilwatda also highlighted key federal projects, including the gas pipeline and the Lagos–Kano–Maradi rail line, as indicators of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to northern development.
He described Kano as the commercial hub of sub-Saharan Africa, expressing optimism that ongoing infrastructure projects would further boost economic activities in the state.
Making a direct appeal, the APC chairman urged Shekarau to join the party, noting that his leadership and experience would be instrumental in strengthening the APC.
“We are here to plead with you to join APC. We need your experience and leadership to move the party and the nation forward, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences,” he said.
He further stated that Kano currently enjoys the highest number of federal appointments in Northern Nigeria, assuring that more benefits would follow.
In his response, Shekarau thanked the delegation for what he described as a “brotherly visit,” saying he felt honoured by their presence.
However, he acknowledged that the PDP is facing deep internal challenges, which he likened to a “serious cancer.”
He disclosed that consultations are ongoing with key stakeholders, including his Shura Council, to determine his next political move.
“In the next couple of days, I will make my position known after thorough consultation,” he said.
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