Nigerian Senator Rufai Hanga Signals Defection to APC and Criticizes NDC Ticket

Senator Rufai Hanga, representing Kano Central Senatorial District, told Freedom Radio that recent meetings with Kano Governor Abba Yusuf and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda indicate he is considering leaving the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He said the NDC presidential ticket of Peter Obi and running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso has little chance of winning the 2027 election, arguing Obi’s support is limited to Anambra and Kwankwaso’s influence is confined to Kano.

Hanga also asserted that switching parties would not constitute a betrayal of Kwankwaso, warning anyone who accuses him of betrayal that they should be sent to prison or a psychiatric facility. He added that Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would be more competitive against President Bola Tinubu in the North‑West and North‑East, citing growing public dissatisfaction over insecurity and economic hardship.