Visit
By Aminu Garko
Kano, The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, on Wednesday visited former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, seeking his support for the party ahead of 20227 general elections.
Yilwatda, during the visit in Kano, described Shekarau as a sincere man and a decent politician whose experience was crucial to the party’s success.
He said that Kano held a special place in his heart, describing it as his second home.
He, however, said the visit was driven by pressing political considerations.
According to him, northern Nigeria is at a decisive moment that requires unity and collaboration among key stakeholders to ensure stability and progress.
Reflecting on past political developments, the chairman recalled the north’s firm stance was key to late president Muhammadu Buhari completing his two terms on office.
He emphasised that the same principle of fairness should now apply by allowing the south to complete its turn in power under President Bola Tinubu.
“I am a northerner and I will not allow anything that will sabotage the north,” he said.
The APC chairman highlighted ongoing federal projects as evidence of the current administration’s commitment to northern development.
He cited the gas pipeline project traversing the region and the Lagos–Kano–Maradi rail line as transformative initiatives expected to boost commerce and economic activities.
He described Kano as the commercial nerve centre of sub-Saharan Africa noting that the completion of these projects would significantly enhance the state’s economic status.
The APC national chairman urged Shekarau to join the ruling party, describing him as one of the pillars of Nigeria’s politics whose guidance was crucial for electoral success.
“We are here to plead with you to join APC.
We need your experience and leadership to move the party and the nation forward, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recall that another political heavy weight in Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso recently defected to African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The move to have Shekarau in its ranks is seen in some quarters as a strategic move by APC, which has successfully lured Gov. Abba Yusuf into its fold, to balance political power in the state.
Yilwatda said that Kano State enjoys the highest number of federal political appointments in northern Nigeria, adding that Tinubu remained committed to doing more for the state.
Responding, Shekarau expressed gratitude for what he described as a brotherly visit saying he was honoured by the delegation’s presence.
He, however, said it was unfortunate that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was grappling with deep internal challenges.
He described the situation within the party as a serious cancer, noting that efforts were ongoing to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Shekarau said that he was consulting with relevant stakeholders, including his Shura Council, to determine his next political move.
“In the next couple of days, I will make my position known after thorough consultations,” he said.
