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

The two veteran politicians recently resigned their membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State, citing persistent internal leadership crises in the opposition party.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau described their defection as a significant boost to the APC’s strength and prospects 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. These distinguished politicians are true progressives, and this is where they rightfully belong. Progressive politicians will always align with a progressive political party, APC, " Senator Barau said.

Senator Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, expressed confidence that with sustained grassroots support in Kano State, the APC is well-positioned to secure victories in the presidential, governorship, and parliamentary elections in 2027.

He further noted that the ongoing wave of defections from opposition parties to the APC reflects the growing confidence in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that of Kano State Governor, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf.