All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has paid a courtesy visit to Senator Kabiru Gaya, a founding member of the APC who later joined the New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The visit, which took place in Kano, has fueled speculation about Gaya's possible return to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yilwatda Confirms Warm Meeting
Yilwatda confirmed the visit in a statement, describing the atmosphere as warm and saying the two men found common ground on the importance of Kano's political stability. "We agreed that leaders have a responsibility to promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence," he said. No formal announcement of a defection was made following the meeting.
Broader Outreach Pattern
The visit to Gaya is part of a broader pattern of targeted political outreach by the APC chairman across northern Nigeria. In April 2026, Yilwatda travelled to Kano alongside Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo to visit former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau at his Mundubawa residence. Shekarau, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure, was encouraged to lend his support to the APC as part of an effort to build northern unity.
Gombe Visit on July 13
On July 13, 2026, Yilwatda visited Gombe, where he called on Senator Usman Bayero Nafada, a senior PDP stalwart. He was accompanied by Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya and other party officials. That meeting similarly focused on themes of unity, peace, and cross-party cooperation in the interest of state development.
Strategic Implications for 2027
The series of visits signals that the APC is actively working to consolidate its political base in the north by drawing experienced opposition figures closer to the ruling party before the next election cycle. The move is seen as strategic for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
