Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party on Monday received former Governor of Kano State Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau into the party.
Shekarau himself at the event welcoming him, confirmed his decision to quit the New Nigerian Peoples Party for the PDP.
He was received by presidential candidate of the party Alhaji Atiku Abubakar , National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.
Speaking at the event, Ayu said the party will not succumb to those who want to distract its leaders.
He told the gathering, “PDP is strong and stronger and at the end of the day we shall remain one happy political family. We are not going to be distracted by those outside who believe that by peddling all sort of lies they will destabilize the PDP.
“We are going to win Kano and we are going to win everywhere. I want to thank all the supporters of H.E Ibrahim Shekarau who have come here in thousands in spite of the rain.
“I believe God willing, we shall overcome all distractive forces. We shall work hard as if our life depends on it and we are going to overcome whatever grudges we have.
“Our party is getting more united and we thank our leader,Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who has done everything possible to bring every member on board.”
“I welcome our dignitaries to this memorable occasion, particularly the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, the PDP National Chairman, PDP governors and other guests.
“I, Ibrahim Shakarau, inform you that from Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, my supporters and I have dumped the NNPP and joined the PDP.
“I have written to the NNPP National Chairman, chairmen at the state, local governments, and ward levels of the party that I have dumped the NNPP.
“I have equally written to INEC Chairman and to the Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC that I am no longer contesting the senatorial position on the platform of the NNPP,’’ he said.
Shekarau urged his supporters to work for the PDP to ensure that it emerged victorious at the 2023 general elections.
He was consequently registered into the PDP by its Northwest vice-chairman, Sen. Bello Hayatu-Gwarzo.
The party’s National Chairman, Mr Iyochia Ayu, presented membership card to Shekarau at the occasion.
In his remarks, Ayu said the PDP was built by leaders collectively, saying “there will never be individual leader in the party.’’
He said the party is proud of Kano State, more especially now that Shekarau has joined the party.
Also speaking at the occasion, Alhaji Abubakar thanked party supporters in Kano State for gracing the occasion in spite of Monday’s heavy downpour.
He noted that the turnout showed Shekarau’s prominence in Kano State’s politics.
“We are happy for having you (Shakarau) in the party; you are very important to us likewise Kano State,’’ Abubakar said.