There are strong indications that former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, may be on his way back to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party he helped establish.

Shekarau, a former Minister of Education and a key figure in the formation of the APC, left the party in the past due to internal disputes and later joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, recent political developments in Kano suggest a possible realignment, with sources indicating he is considering a return to the APC.

The former governor, who defeated Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso in the 2003 gubernatorial election, is said to be reviewing his options amid renewed political negotiations.

According to sources, some leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Senator Kwankwaso, have also made overtures to him to join their political camp

However, individuals close to Shekarau say he is hesitant to align with Kwankwaso due to longstanding political differences between them. A close associate noted that the two leaders have distinct ideological positions and may struggle to work together within the same political platform, making a move to the ADC unlikely despite ongoing persuasion efforts.

Atiku Abubakar is also reported to have repeatedly reached out to Shekarau. Notably, Shekarau played a significant role in Atiku’s 2023 presidential campaign in Kano, helping to secure substantial support in the state.

Meanwhile, the APC has intensified efforts to bring Shekarau back into its fold.

The party’s national leadership has reportedly set up a delegation to formally engage him. The delegation, expected to be led by APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, is scheduled to visit Kano next Tuesday for discussions aimed at convincing him to rejoin the party.

Former Kano State Governor and immediate past APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has also been holding discussions with Shekarau on the matter. Sources close to both men describe their relationship as cordial, noting that they maintain mutual respect despite belonging to different political platforms.

There are reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has encouraged efforts to strengthen the APC in Kano, tasking party leaders to consolidate support in the state, where Shekarau remains a politically influential figure.

Supporters of the former governor believe a return to the APC would not be out of place, given his historical role in the party’s formation and his continued influence in Kano politics. One of his allies described him as a foundational figure in the APC, adding that his potential return would align with his political history.