Former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, has left the Peoples Democratic Party and is set to return to the All Progressives Congress following a series of consultations with his political associates.

Shekarau announced his decision on Sunday at his residence in Kano, where supporters had gathered after endorsing the move. The development comes shortly after an invitation from the APC national chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, who had called on him and other opposition figures, including Bello Hayatu, to join the ruling party.

The former governor, who led Kano State from 2003 to 2011, said the decision followed wide consultations, including with members of his advisory council, known as the Shura committee.

Shekarau first rose to prominence in 2003 when he defeated incumbent governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, marking a significant political upset in the state. He secured a second term in 2007 but failed to install his preferred successor in 2011, paving the way for Kwankwaso’s return to power.

His political journey has been marked by multiple party switches, often shaped by internal rivalries and struggles for control within Kano politics. A founding member of the now-defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, Shekarau moved to the PDP in 2014 after the merger that produced the APC, citing concerns over the growing influence of Kwankwaso within the new party.

He later returned to the APC in 2018 amid shifting alliances but left again ahead of the 2023 elections due to disagreements with then governor Abdullahi Ganduje. During that period, he briefly joined the New Nigeria Peoples Party, aligning with Kwankwaso before exiting months later over disputes regarding candidate nominations.

In August 2022, Shekarau rejoined the PDP and backed Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election. However, his latest move marks another shift, as he now aligns with the APC ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

Political observers link his latest defection to ongoing realignments in Kano politics and preparations for future elections, with Shekarau expected to support President Bola Tinubu in his anticipated re-election bid.

Despite his formal support for the PDP in 2023, voting patterns in Kano suggested divisions within his political base, with many of his supporters backing the APC presidential ticket.