The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has formally welcomed former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The two political gladiators recently resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State to join the ruling APC.

Both men in their letters of resignation from the opposition party cited persistent leadership crises within the PDP as the reason for their exit.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau described the defections as a major boost to the APC’s strength in Kano.

He said the development improves the party’s outlook and ground game ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I welcome the former Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, and former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, to the largest political party in Africa, the APC,” Barau stated.

He described Shekarau and Gwarzo as “true progressives” who have returned to their natural political home.

“Progressive politicians will always align with a progressive political party, APC,” he added.

Barau, who also serves as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, said Kano remains pivotal to any national victory in 2027.

He expressed confidence that with sustained grassroots support, the APC is well-positioned to win presidential, governorship, and parliamentary seats in the state.

Barau noted that the ongoing wave of defections from opposition parties reflects growing confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and in Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration in Kano.