Senator Hanga Breaks Silence on APC Defection Rumours, Says He Remains NDC Member
Senator Hanga Breaks Silence on APC Defection Rumours, Says He Remains NDC Member
Senator Rufai Sani Hanga has denied plans to defect to the APC, saying he remains an NDC member while discussing Kano politics and the 2027 election.
Senator Rufai Sani Hanga has addressed growing speculation about his political future, declaring that he remains a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and has not made any plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The senator’s clarification comes amid heightened political activity and realignments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Hanga had reportedly attracted attention following a series of meetings with prominent figures associated with the APC, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The meetings fuelled speculation that the senator could eventually leave the NDC and join the ruling party.
However, speaking during a local radio programme in Kano on Tuesday, Hanga dismissed the immediate defection speculation and insisted that he remains with the NDC.
The development has added another layer to Nigeria’s increasingly competitive political landscape, particularly in Kano, where political alliances and personalities are expected to play a major role in the 2027 elections.
Hanga Denies Plans to Defect to APC
Addressing the reports about his alleged plans to leave the NDC, Hanga said he had not taken any decision to abandon the party.
The senator made it clear that, despite the political meetings that generated speculation about his future, he continues to identify with the NDC.
His position is significant because defections and political realignments have become common features of Nigerian politics, especially as major elections draw closer.
Hanga’s statement therefore provides a direct response to questions about whether his interactions with APC leaders represented the beginning of a formal move to the ruling party.
For now, the senator says the answer is no.
His comments also demonstrate the uncertainty surrounding political alliances ahead of 2027, as politicians across different parties continue to assess their options and electoral prospects.
Hanga Questions NDC’s Presidential Chances
While reaffirming his membership of the NDC, Hanga was also critical of the party’s current national strength.
According to the senator, the NDC does not presently have the level of acceptance and political structure required to defeat the APC in a presidential election.
He reportedly expressed confidence that the NDC could win Kano but was considerably less optimistic about its prospects at the national level.
The assessment has generated interest because it comes from a politician who remains a member of the opposition party.
Hanga’s argument highlights a major challenge facing opposition parties in Nigeria: strong support in a particular state or region does not automatically translate into the nationwide electoral strength required to win a presidential election.
To compete effectively for the presidency, a political party needs broad geographical support, strong grassroots organisation, credible candidates, financial resources, effective campaign structures and the ability to build alliances across different parts of the country.
Why Kano Could Become a Major Political Battleground
Kano is one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states and is expected to remain a major battleground ahead of the 2027 elections.
The state has a large voting population and has historically attracted intense competition among political parties.
Hanga’s confidence in the NDC’s chances in Kano therefore carries political significance.
A strong performance in Kano could provide the party with an important electoral base, although winning the presidency would require a much wider national coalition.
The senator’s comments suggest that he sees a difference between the NDC’s prospects in Kano and its ability to compete nationally.
That distinction could become increasingly important as political parties begin to focus more heavily on voter mobilisation and state-by-state electoral strategies.
Hanga Explains His Relationship With Kwankwaso
The senator also spoke about his relationship with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and sought to explain some of the political developments surrounding the NDC in Kano.
Hanga said that despite the political issues that have emerged, he and Kwankwaso continue to respect each other.
His comments are particularly relevant because Kwankwaso remains an influential political figure in Kano and the wider northern political landscape.
The senator also provided an account of discussions surrounding the emergence of the NDC’s Kano governorship team.
According to Hanga, Kwankwaso had earlier communicated through NDC Chairman Hussaini Isa Mairiga that he was considering his son, Mustapha Kwankwaso, for the governorship position.
Hanga said he responded positively and indicated his willingness to support the younger Kwankwaso’s political campaign.
He reportedly told the messenger that he was prepared to serve as Mustapha Kwankwaso’s campaign manager.
However, Hanga said that after the discussion, he did not receive further communication regarding the proposal.
How Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo Became Involved
Hanga subsequently explained how Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo became involved in the NDC’s Kano governorship arrangement.
According to the senator, Gwarzo later met him in Abuja and informed him that Kwankwaso had selected him as the party’s governorship candidate.
Hanga said Gwarzo then asked him whether he would accept the position of deputy governorship candidate.
Although Hanga described the proposed position as a political demotion, he said he accepted the arrangement.
The senator, however, said he later learnt that Mustapha Kwankwaso had been selected as Gwarzo’s running mate.
The account provides an insight into the political negotiations and internal discussions that have surrounded the NDC’s preparations in Kano.
It also shows how political arrangements can change during the process of candidate selection.
NDC Faces Challenge of Building National Acceptance
Hanga’s comments about the NDC’s presidential chances raise a broader question about the ability of opposition parties to challenge the APC in 2027.
Nigeria’s presidential elections are national contests requiring political parties to build support across different regions and demographic groups.
A party may have a strong presence in one state but still struggle to translate that popularity into nationwide electoral success.
For the NDC, building a stronger national structure could therefore become one of its most important priorities.
The party would need to strengthen its grassroots networks, attract influential political figures, develop a clear policy platform and convince voters that it represents a credible alternative.
It would also need to manage internal disagreements and candidate-selection disputes effectively.
Political unity could become particularly important as the election approaches.
APC Remains Central to 2027 Political Calculations
As the governing party, the APC will remain at the centre of political calculations leading to the 2027 elections.
The party has the advantage of controlling the federal government and possessing a broad political structure across the country.
However, opposition parties are expected to continue searching for ways to challenge its dominance.
This could lead to more discussions about coalitions, strategic alliances and possible defections.
The rumours surrounding Hanga demonstrate how political meetings can quickly generate speculation in an election cycle.
A politician’s meeting with leaders of another party does not necessarily mean that a formal defection is imminent.
Hanga’s case illustrates that point clearly, as he has now publicly stated that he remains in the NDC despite speculation about his political future.
Political Defections and Realignments Ahead of 2027
Political defections are not unusual in Nigeria, particularly before major elections.
Politicians sometimes move between parties because of disagreements over party leadership, candidate selection, political ambitions or electoral calculations.
In other situations, politicians remain in their parties while maintaining relationships with members of rival political organisations.
As the 2027 election approaches, such movements are likely to remain a major topic of public discussion.
The important issue for voters will be whether political realignments translate into meaningful policies and better governance.
Beyond party labels, Nigerians are likely to pay attention to issues such as the cost of living, employment, security, infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic growth.
Hanga’s Position Could Generate More Debate
Hanga’s latest comments are unlikely to end political speculation completely.
Although he has said he has no current plans to leave the NDC, Nigeria’s political environment can change rapidly.
New alliances could emerge, party negotiations could shift and candidates could alter their strategies as the 2027 election draws closer.
For that reason, political observers are likely to continue monitoring Hanga’s activities and statements.
His decision to remain in the NDC could also have implications for the party’s political calculations in Kano.
If the senator continues to play an active role in the party, his experience and political network could become useful as the NDC seeks to strengthen its presence in the state.
What Hanga’s Comments Mean for the 2027 Election
The most important takeaway from Hanga’s statement is that he has not confirmed any move from the NDC to the APC.
Instead, he has publicly reaffirmed his membership of the opposition party while simultaneously questioning its ability to win the presidency.
That combination makes his position particularly interesting.
He appears to recognise the NDC’s potential in Kano while acknowledging the difficulty of transforming that regional strength into national electoral dominance.
For the party, such criticism could serve as a warning that more work needs to be done before 2027.
For the APC, meanwhile, the comments may reinforce the importance of maintaining its political structure and support base in Kano and other strategically important states.
The Road to Nigeria’s 2027 General Election
Nigeria’s political landscape is already undergoing significant changes ahead of the 2027 general election.
Political parties are expected to continue recruiting influential figures, strengthening grassroots structures and negotiating alliances.
The APC will seek to maintain its hold on the federal government, while opposition parties will look for strategies to create a credible alternative.
Kano is expected to remain central to those calculations because of its political influence and large electorate.
The developments involving Hanga, Kwankwaso and other political actors in the state could therefore attract increased attention as the election cycle progresses.
However, voters will ultimately determine the direction of the country at the ballot box.
Senator Rufai Sani Hanga has denied reports that he is preparing to defect from the Nigeria Democratic Congress to the All Progressives Congress.
The senator said he remains a member of the NDC and has not made plans to leave the party, despite speculation generated by his interactions with prominent APC figures.
At the same time, Hanga gave a blunt assessment of the NDC’s national prospects, saying the party currently lacks the acceptance and political strength needed to defeat the APC in a presidential election.
He nevertheless expressed confidence in the NDC’s chances in Kano.
Hanga also discussed his relationship with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and explained his account of the political developments surrounding the NDC’s Kano governorship arrangement involving Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo and Mustapha Kwankwaso.
With Nigeria’s 2027 elections approaching, political alliances, defections and candidate-selection battles are expected to remain major issues.
For now, Hanga’s position is clear: he remains a member of the NDC and has not announced any plan to defect to the APC.
FAQ
Is Senator Rufai Sani Hanga defecting to the APC?
Senator Hanga said he remains a member of the NDC and has not made plans to defect to the APC.
What did Hanga say about the NDC’s chances in 2027?
Hanga expressed doubts about the NDC’s ability to win the presidency but said he was confident about the party’s chances in Kano.
What did Hanga say about Kwankwaso?
Hanga said that he and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso continue to respect each other despite political developments and disagreements.
Who is Mustapha Kwankwaso?
Mustapha Kwankwaso is the son of prominent Kano politician Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and has featured in discussions concerning the NDC’s political arrangements in Kano.
Why is Kano important in the 2027 election?
Kano is a major Nigerian political centre with a large electorate and strong political influence, making it an important battleground for parties preparing for the 2027 election.
What do you think about Senator Hanga’s decision to remain in the NDC?
Can the NDC build enough national support to challenge the APC in the 2027 presidential election, or will the ruling party remain dominant?
Share your opinion in the comment section, share this article with friends and fellow political enthusiasts, and follow MyInfoJet for more Nigerian politics, breaking news, election updates and trending stories.
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