Shekarau, Gwarzo Dump PDP for APC in Kano Political Shake-Up

Former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move that underscores deepening political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Shekarau announced his defection on Sunday at a well-attended gathering held at his residence, popularly known as Mundubawa Palace in Kano, alongside Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, a prominent PDP chieftain.

Addressing loyalists and political associates, Shekarau said the decision followed extensive consultations and careful evaluation of political developments in the state and beyond.

“We have weighed all the options and arrived at this collective resolution. Do you all agree?” he asked, prompting a unanimous endorsement from supporters present at the meeting.

The defection comes amid intensified efforts by the APC to consolidate its influence in Kano and the wider North-West region. It follows a recent visit by the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, who met with Shekarau and Gwarzo at the same residence in a bid to woo them back to the ruling party.

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During the visit, Yilwatda appealed for their return, describing himself as their “son” in need of guidance and political backing, while also urging their supporters to align with the APC in the interest of unity among northern stakeholders.

Shekarau had at the time acknowledged the visit as a mark of respect but maintained that consultations were ongoing, stressing that any final decision would be guided by the best interests of Kano State.

The latest move also comes on the heels of political engagements involving the Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who recently visited Shekarau, fuelling speculation over shifting alliances and strategic positioning ahead of 2027.

Political observers say Shekarau’s return to the APC is significant given his longstanding influence in Kano politics and his history within the party. A founding member of the APC and former minister, he has previously moved between major political platforms, reflecting the fluid nature of alliances in the state.

His defection, alongside that of Gwarzo, is expected to strengthen the APC’s structure in Kano while posing a setback for the PDP, which has faced internal challenges and defections in recent times.

The development highlights the early stages of 2027 election realignments, with key political actors repositioning across party lines as competition gradually builds.

Analysts believe more defections and alliances may emerge in the coming months as parties intensify consultations and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Shekarau, Gwarzo Dump PDP for APC in Kano Political Shake-Up

Defection Talks Collapse as Bala Mohammed, APC Disagree on Power-Sharing Formula

The proposed defection of Bala Mohammed from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stalled following a disagreement over control of party structures in Bauchi State.

Chairman of the Turaki-led PDP faction in the state, Sama’ila Burga, disclosed this on Saturday while addressing journalists in Bauchi, stating that negotiations between the governor’s camp and the APC ended in a deadlock.

According to Burga, the crisis stemmed from the APC’s rejection of a proposed 60/40 power-sharing formula, which would have allowed the governor’s camp to retain majority control of the party structure in the state. He noted that similar arrangements had been adopted in previous defections involving sitting governors.

“The discussions have been closed. You cannot expect a government bringing its structure from ward level to the state not to have significant control of the party,” Burga said.

He further revealed that the talks were initiated through engagements involving the APC’s national leadership and key stakeholders, including the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, who reportedly visited Bauchi to persuade Mohammed to join the ruling party.

Despite the collapse of negotiations with the APC, Burga said the governor and his supporters remain open to exploring alliances with other political platforms. He added that consultations were ongoing from the ward level up to the state level to determine the next political direction.

The development highlights the growing political realignments ahead of future electoral contests, particularly as governors and influential blocs seek strategic positioning within Nigeria’s shifting party landscape.

Burga insisted that the APC’s stance demonstrated its unwillingness to fully accommodate the PDP structure and the existing state government framework, ultimately leading to the breakdown of the talks.

Defection Talks Collapse as Bala Mohammed, APC Disagree on Power-Sharing Formula

“Is It Working Today?” — Tinubu Takes Swipe at Atiku’s Privatization Legacy

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a fresh swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, questioning his record on privatization and criticizing his political maneuvers.

Speaking in a remark that has since stirred political reactions, Tinubu described Atiku as the “head of the calabash,” a phrase often used to depict a leading figure within a coalition. He used the comment to cast doubt on Atiku’s past role as chairman of Nigeria’s privatization council, particularly pointing to the steel industry.

The president questioned the outcome of the privatization exercise, asking whether the sector is functioning effectively today, in what observers see as a direct critique of Atiku’s economic legacy.

Tinubu did not stop at economic issues. He also took aim at Atiku’s political history, alleging that the former vice president attempted to “privatize another man’s political party,” but was resisted. Though he did not mention specifics, the comment is widely interpreted as a reference to past internal party struggles involving Atiku.

The exchange highlights the deepening rivalry between the two political heavyweights, as alignments and coalition talks continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future elections.

Political analysts say Tinubu’s remarks are part of a broader effort to challenge Atiku’s credibility on governance and reform, while reinforcing his own administration’s stance on economic management and political leadership.

“Is It Working Today?” — Tinubu Takes Swipe at Atiku’s Privatization Legacy