The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano has welcomed former governor Ibrahim Shekarau and Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo back into its ranks, assuring them of full integration and equal opportunities within the party.
In a statement on Sunday, the party’s state chairman, Umar Haruna Doguwa, said their return would strengthen the party’s experience, institutional memory, and grassroots base ahead of future elections.
Doguwa emphasized that under his leadership, new entrants would enjoy a level playing field and be given the chance to contribute to the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the “Kano First Agenda” of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
He described Shekarau as a seasoned leader with strong credentials in policy development, education reform, and legislative oversight, noting that his influence cuts across party lines and would help stabilize Kano’s political environment while promoting unity and issue-based politics.
According to Doguwa, the defection of the trio also signals to voters that the APC remains a credible platform for development, security, and inclusiveness in Northern Nigeria. He called on party supporters to warmly receive Shekarau, Gwarzo, and Yahaya Umar Bagobiri as they join efforts to advance governance in Kano State.
Shekarau, a former educationist and civil servant, served as Governor of Kano State from 2003 to 2011 and later as Minister of Education between 2014 and 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan. He also represented Kano Central in the Senate from 2019 to 2023 and is widely recognized for expanding access to education at all levels.
Gwarzo, on the other hand, is among Nigeria’s longest-serving lawmakers, having represented Kano North Senatorial District in the Senate from 1999 to 2015. He also served as the North-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Bagobiri is regarded as an influential grassroots politician with over three decades of experience in party administration, having held key roles in the Social Democratic Party and the PDP at both local and state levels.
