By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
All is set for former Kano state Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, to return to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), as the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, on Wednesday, practically begged him to come back to the party he was a foundation member.
Yilwatda wooed Shekarau at his residence in Kano, reminding him that the APC needs his experience and wisdom at a time like this.
Our Correspondent reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu played host to Shekarau in Lagos during the Easter break.
President Tinubu and Malam Shekarau discussed modalities on his return to the APC.
A few days ago, Kano state Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the APC state chairman, Haruna Doguwa, and other party and government officials were also at Shekarau’s residence in Kano.
Their discussions centred on Shekarau’s defection to the APC.
Shekarau, currently a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, is said to be making serious consultations with the Shura Council, his highest decision-making group in terms of politics, before his final defection to the APC.
“Come and help me, I am your son. I need your support, I need your mentorship. I am pleading with you to come and help me,” the APC National Chairman pleaded with Shekarau during his visit to Kano on Wednesday.
The meeting took place at Shekarau’s Mundubawa residence in Kano.
Yilwatda also held talks with Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo.
Yilwatda’s Kano visit was part of the APC’s effort to woo key political figures in the state amid ongoing political realignment and defections.
Yilwatda appealed to Malam Shekarau and Bello Hayatu to return to the APC, describing himself as their “son” in need of guidance and support.
He also appealed to Shekarau’s followers and political associates to persuade him and Bello Hayatu to rejoin APC, emphasizing the need for unity among northern political heavyweights.
“Let us all come back to APC. Your son at the APC is pleading; I cannot do it alone. Together we can build a very strong alliance to help the North,” he further pleaded.
Responding, Malam Shekarau appreciated the APC National chairman for finding time to visit him, describing the move as a show of respect, seriousness, and commitment.
“You have come to us; it is something you could have sent someone to do or even met me in Abuja, but you came yourself,” Shekarau stated.
Shekarau further stated that the visit was well-timed, coming at a time he is reviewing his political future with his associates, taking cognisance of internal challenges within the opposition parties.
“You came at a time we are also searching for a solution to the cancer that has infected us in the PDP. We don’t know whether it is real cancer or not, we will discuss that later,” he added.
The former governor, however, said no immediate decision would be taken, assuring that consultations were ongoing.
“In a couple of days, you will hear from us whether we will join you or not, but I assure you that you will hear from us,” he added.
Shekarau, however, said he will not do it alone as any decision taken would be guided by the overall interest of his followers and political associates, “whatever we will do will be put on the scale of ‘Kano first.”
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