KANO — Senator Rufai Sani Hanga has dismissed widespread speculation that he is set to defect from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that he remains committed to his party despite expressing doubts about its chances in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on a local radio programme in Kano on Tuesday, Hanga said reports linking him with an imminent move to the APC were unfounded.
“I still remain a member of the NDC, and I have not yet made any plans of decamping,” the senator stated.
Despite reaffirming his loyalty to the NDC, Hanga acknowledged that he does not believe the party has the political strength to unseat the APC at the national level.
“The NDC will lose the presidency because they can’t make any significant impact nationally. However, I’m confident the party will win Kano State. As for me, I remain a member of my party,” he said.
The senator also addressed his relationship with the party’s national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, saying they still maintain mutual respect despite recent political developments.
Hanga further revealed details of the events leading to the emergence of the NDC’s Kano governorship ticket. According to him, the party chairman, Hussaini Isa Mairiga, informed him that Kwankwaso was considering his son, Mustapha Kwankwaso, for the governorship position.
“He sent an emissary through the NDC chairman to inform me that he was considering his son for the governorship seat. I told them to convey my support and even said I was ready to serve as his campaign manager. After that, I heard nothing,” Hanga said.
He added that a few days later, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo met him in Abuja to inform him that he had been chosen as the party’s governorship candidate and asked him to serve as his running mate.
“Although I considered it a demotion, I accepted the offer. Later, I learned that Kwankwaso had instead selected his son, Mustapha, as the deputy governorship candidate,” Hanga said.
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