From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
Fear has gripped the members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) following indications that a former governor of the state and leading member of the party, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau may defect to the Peoples Democratic Party in the days ahead.
Although Shekarau’s spokesman, Sule Yau Sule denied the report, he however said that his principal would make a clear statement regarding his future during the week.
Daily Sun gathered that in the recent weeks, the Senator has had secret talks with three Presidential candidates, namely: Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu
Sources said his discussion with Atiku, both of whom had shared a cordial political relationship, has been most fruitful.
A source told Daily Sun that Atiku hopes to strengthen his slim chances in Kano State and has tabled a tempting offer before the former governor.
Shekarau’s latest exploit may also not be unconnected to his lapsing fraternity with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Although efforts were made by the party to carry him along, the initial structural imbalance in the party has negatively shadowed these efforts.
It is believed that Shekarau’s faction was substantially excluded in the allocation of key party tickets and this situation has played a role in his latest push for a better offer elsewhere.
The state chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Umar Haruna Diguwa, however said that he was not aware of plans by Shekarau to leave the party for another.
Speaking to Daily Sun by phone, he described the reports of the purported defection as one of those speculations typical of political periods like now
“Whatever the future holds, let’s wait and see. Time will tell” he said.