APC Chairman courts Shekarau, urge him to formally join the party

Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged former Kano State Governor,  Ibrahim Shekarau to join the ruling party, describing his leadership and political experience as vital to Nigeria’s development.

Yilwatda made the appeal on Wednesday during a visit to Shekarau’s residence in Kano, noting that the outreach was both a mark of respect and part of efforts to strengthen the All Progressives Congress ahead of future elections.

“We are here to plead with you to join the APC. Your experience and leadership are needed to move the party and the nation forward,” the APC chairman said.
He described Shekarau as a seasoned and principled politician with wide national influence, stressing that his contributions would be valuable to Nigeria’s political and democratic growth.

Yilwatda also noted that Northern Nigeria was at a critical stage that required unity among key political actors to sustain stability and progress.

The APC chairman further emphasised the need for fairness in power rotation, saying that after the North completed its tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari, the South should be allowed to complete its turn under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Highlighting federal government initiatives expected to stimulate economic growth in the North, Yilwatda pointed to major projects such as the AKK Gas Pipeline and the Lagos–Kano–Maradi rail line, describing Kano as a key commercial hub in sub-Saharan Africa.

Responding, Shekarau revealed that consultations regarding his political future were nearing completion, indicating that all options remained under consideration.

“You came at a time we are making final preparations to exit the PDP, which we understand has been severely affected by internal issues,” he said, referring to the Peoples Democratic Party.

Shekarau added that any political decision he and his supporters would take would be guided by what he described as a “Kano First Agenda.”

“My movement, alongside my Shura Council, supporters and associates, is based on a Kano First agenda. Anything that benefits Kano is where I stand,” he stated.

He further stressed that his personal political ambition remained secondary to the peace and progress of Kano State, assuring that he would not pursue any course capable of triggering instability in the state.