August 24, (THEWILL) – Just three months after his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), former governor of Kano State and Senator representing Kano Central senatorial district, Ibrahim Shekarau, is set to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
THEWILL exclusively gathered that Shekarau will officially resign his membership of the NNPP in the next few days.
A reliable source, who prefers anonymity, hinted that his defection was part of outcome of separate meetings Shekarau held with the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and the national chairman of the party, Iyochia Ayu.
He said the former governor had “reached a deal” with the PDP to assume leadership of the party in Kano State.
According to him, “the truth is that Atiku has made some mouthwatering offers such as ministerial and parastatal slots to Mallam. This is in addition to appointing him as the North West campaign coordinator and in charge of campaign finances in the region”, the source said.
THEWILL earlier reported that Shekarau had on Monday, said his political associates were unhappy by happenings in the NNPP since their defection to the party.
It was gathered that the Shekarau’s group had been demanding that the party implement the terms of the agreement it reached with it before the defection of its members.
Yau Sule, the Spokesperson of Shekarau had last week said both sides had agreed that an unspecified number of the former governor’s associates would be awarded nomination tickets for the general elections.
Shekarau, who confirmed the rift between him and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, had on Monday, lamented the way the NNPP neglected the request submitted for inclusion of his associates as party’s candidates.
According to him, numerous reminders to Kwankwaso before the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were not appreciated.
“We consulted our brother Kwankwaso prior to even his joining NNPP when he was in PDP and I was in APC. After we agreed to join NNPP, prior to closing submission of list to INEC, we designed areas and places to field candidates for state to Federal Government. I met him alone on 5 May, at about 8:30. Two of us alone, he said he’ll study it and suggest to his advisory team.
“On 15th May, I went to his house and reminded him of our submission of proposal. He said that he will come and discuss with me. On 16th May, he came to my house and we discussed. He called Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, Kawu Sumaila, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Aminu Abdussalam, he said he gave them the work and we told him we need to inject our people.
“On the 17th May, a day after, I summoned advisory team of Shura of what happened. Some said everything should be written, but I said no let’s have confidence and have faith in them.
“On the 18th May, after our decamping, we announced our reasons to the media and public that we ditched APC because of injustice. That day we saw list of purported NNPP candidates. On Thursday, 19 May, I boarded plane to Abuja and sought audience from Kwankwaso at his convenience.
“We’ve agreed after Isha prayer. I went to his house and told him we’ve seen list with my name only and Shehu Kura. What’s the position of our submission? He said his four-man committee will be given the work. I suggested to add four from my camp to make it 8. He agreed and we planned to fix date… On 20th May, I wrote to him what we’ve discussed to avoid forgetfulness in a text message.
“June 1, I reminded Kwankwaso of the committee work he promised to talk to them. On 2 June I discussed with Prof Rufai Alkali national chairman of the NNPP and I advised him to talk to Kano chair.
“On his declaration day, I reminded him of the committee pending work. Time was going, we resolved to meet alongside his closet aides Kwankwaso, Abba, party chair, Umar Muhammad, and I. The chair gave issue but said he submitted their proposal to party chair, Doguwa.
“On July 4, the chairman brought out their proposal. We added chairman to the committee making them 9. They have written recommendation for candidates from both sides. 9 of them signed and gave me a copy and to Kwankwaso.
“15 July, I printed two copies of the report and took them to his house. I gave him like 10 minutes. He said he had no objection and I said the same. He called Abba Kabir Yusuf and told me they have accepted the report and be implemented in three days. Two weeks after Abba didn’t call for meeting until INEC closed submission of candidate in July and on August 12 substitution closed. Then he called for a meeting.
“After the deadline elapsed, we called Advisory committee and we set up a committee to and we set up a committee to advise us on the way forward. We accept the report on Thursday, will study and consult, and in a few days, we will announce our stand.
“I wouldn’t have opened up if not for Kwankwaso guilty conscience that he talked to the media. We want to set the record straight on the saying that we were late. So that people can be well informed.
“It is better to abandon politics than to live in injustice and deception. Did we take directive before joining where we are now? Shall we then seek your permission to join others?” he asked.
