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

2027 Elections: APC Insists No Anointed Candidates in Lagos

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong warning to party members and officials against the premature endorsement of aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that no candidate has been officially approved.

In a statement released on Sunday, the state chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, condemned what he described as “disturbing and unauthorized actions” by some Local Government chairmen who have been publicly presenting certain aspirants as consensus candidates.

Ojelabi stated that such actions undermine internal democracy in APC, as well as the principles of fairness and due process, warning that they could trigger unnecessary tension and division within the party.

“The party wishes to state unequivocally that such conduct is wrong, unacceptable, and a clear violation of the principles of internal democracy, fairness, and due process for which our great party is known,” he said.

He clarified that the Lagos APC has not released any guidelines, directives, or timetable for its forthcoming primaries, emphasizing that any attempt to project or anoint aspirants as consensus candidates remains premature, misleading, and unauthorized.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Lagos State APC has not issued any guidelines, directives, or timetable for the forthcoming primaries. Consequently, any attempt by any party official to project or anoint any aspirant as a consensus candidate is premature, misleading, and entirely without the authorisation of the party,” he added.

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The party chairman further warned that the APC would not hesitate to impose disciplinary sanctions on any official engaging in such acts, describing them as destabilising and capable of undermining party unity ahead of the elections.

He reassured members that all qualified aspirants would be given a level playing field, free from intimidation, coercion, or undue influence. He also urged party officials expected to serve as umpires during the primaries to maintain strict neutrality to ensure a credible process.

The warning comes amid growing political activities across Lagos, as early alignments and endorsements begin to surface ahead of 2027. Despite the party’s directive, some council chairmen in Ikorodu Division have declared support for the re-election of Babajimi Benson, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Ameen Apanisile, announced the endorsement on behalf of other council leaders, describing it as a deliberate decision based on the lawmaker’s track record and impact across the constituency.

“This endorsement is not made lightly. It is a deliberate decision rooted in proven performance, visible impact, and a steadfast commitment to the growth and development of Ikorodu Division,” Apanisile said.

He added that Benson has demonstrated consistent leadership at the federal level by delivering what he described as tangible dividends of democracy while effectively representing his constituents.

However, the endorsement highlights emerging political undercurrents within the party, as some stakeholders have also begun advocating for rotational representation in the constituency, reflecting early contestations ahead of the polls.

The Lagos APC leadership has consistently maintained that no anointed candidates for 2027 will be imposed, reiterating that all elective positions—including the governorship—will be open for contest through a transparent and democratic process.

Political observers believe the party’s firm stance is aimed at preventing internal crises, promoting unity, and ensuring that the eventual candidates emerge through credible primaries rather than informal endorsements.

2027 Elections: APC Insists No Anointed Candidates in Lagos

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