The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, has welcomed former Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, and former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The two veteran politicians recently resigned their membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State, citing persistent internal leadership crises in the opposition party.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau described their defection as a significant boost to the APC’s strength and prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I welcome the former Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, to the largest political party in Africa, the APC. These distinguished politicians are true progressives, and this is where they rightfully belong. Progressive politicians will always align with a progressive political party, APC, ” Senator Barau said.

Senator Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, expressed confidence that with sustained grassroots support in Kano State, the APC is well-positioned to secure victories in the presidential, governorship, and parliamentary elections in 2027.

He further noted that the ongoing wave of defections from opposition parties to the APC reflects the growing confidence in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that of Kano State Governor, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf.

After months of speculation, former Governor of Kano, Mal. Ibrahim Shekarau and former Senator representing Kano North Senatorial district on Sunday formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), boosting the strength of the ruling party in the state.

Shekarau’s eventual defection to APC came after consistent lobby by National Chairman of the ruling party Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf who visited his private residence in Kano.

The ex- Minister of Education who had equally visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu few weeks ago pledged to disclose the next line of action after wide consultation.

Addressing hundreds supporters at his residence on Sunday, Shekarau revealed that APC remains the only reliable and alternative platform to drive his ambition among other options.

Shekarau said, “we weight several options after realizing that PDP has permanently crashed out as a Political Party. The choice of APC became a readily options that I and my supporters agreed to join”.

He said prior to the acceptance, he consulted with his Shura Council, elders committee, Board members, and all others that matters in his movement added that the choice of APC was a consensus of all parties involved in decision making.

“We have fervently prayed, deliberated on our movements and make serious contacts, talk to everybody, and finally accept and agreed to decamp to APC which is today the best Party that cares for Nigerians”. Shekarau affirmed.

On why the choice of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Shekarau posited that the coalition is congested with people of personal interest rather than the interest of Nigerian.

“We cannot rely on ADC a party filled up with people of personal interests, a party struggling to have their feet, a party facing huge legal problems and a Party that is having their leaders struggling for positions”. Shekarau said.