APC Kano Welcomes Shekarau, Gwarzo, Bagobiri into Party

The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally received former governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, alongside Bello Hayatu Gwarzo and Yahaya Umar Bagobiri, following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party.

In a statement issued on April 25, 2026, at the APC Secretariat in Kano, the party described the trio as “distinguished sons of Kano and elder statesmen,” whose entry strengthens its political base in the state.

Shekarau, a former governor of Kano State, was officially received at a ceremony held in his Giginyu Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area. He was welcomed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf alongside party leaders led by the state chairman, Umar Haruna Doguwa.

The former governor was presented with his APC membership card at the event.

The party also confirmed the defection of former senator Gwarzo and grassroots political figure Bagobiri, noting that their decision reflects confidence in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the policies of the APC-led administration.

According to the statement, Shekarau brings decades of experience in public service, having served as governor from 2003 to 2011, Minister of Education between 2014 and 2015, and senator representing Kano Central from 2019 to 2023. Gwarzo, who represented Kano North in the Senate from 1999 to 2015, also served as Chief Whip, while Bagobiri is recognised for his long-standing grassroots political involvement and party administration across multiple platforms.

The APC said the defection of the trio would consolidate experience, institutional memory, and grassroots political structures within the party ahead of future elections.

It added that their entry would enhance unity, strengthen governance capacity, and reinforce the party’s position as a leading platform for development and inclusion in Northern Nigeria.

The party assured the new members of full integration and equal opportunity within its structures, urging supporters across the state to welcome them and work collectively towards delivering good governance.