DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Kano senator Hanga leaves NDC, fuels APC defection speculation

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Senator Rufai Hanga has resigned from the Nigeria Democratic Congress, effective August 3, 2026.
  • His departure follows weeks of speculation fueled by meetings with All Progressives Congress leaders and his loss of the NDC's senatorial ticket.
  • Hanga's next political move remains undisclosed, but his resignation signals potential shifts before the 2027 general elections.

Senator Rufai Hanga, representing Kano Central Senatorial District, has officially resigned from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The resignation, effective August 3, 2026, concludes weeks of intense political speculation surrounding his future.

I am writing to formally notify you of my resignation from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), effective from today, 3rd August 2026.

— Rufai HangaIn his resignation letter to the NDC Chairman.

Hanga, who holds the position of Deputy Minority Whip in the Senate, submitted his resignation letter to the NDC Chairman in Dakata Ward, Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State. This move comes after a series of high-profile meetings with President Bola Tinubu, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and other senior figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC). These meetings had fueled widespread reports of his imminent departure from the NDC.

After careful reflection and personal deliberation, I have decided to withdraw my membership from the party to pursue other personal commitments and career paths.

— Rufai HangaExplaining his decision to resign from the NDC.

The NDC had reportedly made efforts to retain Hanga, insisting he remained a member despite the circulating rumors. However, Hanga stated in his letter that his decision followed "careful reflection and personal deliberation." He expressed gratitude to the ward leadership and members for their support during his tenure, cherishing the relationships and experiences shared.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to you, the Ward Executive Committee, and the entire membership of Dakata Ward for the opportunities, support and fellowship I enjoyed during my time with the party.

— Rufai HangaExpressing appreciation to his former party members.

While Hanga did not explicitly state his next political destination, his resignation occurred amidst internal discontent within the NDC regarding preparations for the 2027 general elections. Notably, Hanga recently lost the NDC's consensus ticket for the Kano Central Senatorial District to former Deputy Governor Nasiru Gawuna, who had previously defected from the APC to the African Democratic Congress before joining the NDC. Hanga formally requested his name be removed from the party's membership register at the ward level.

I wish the party and its members all the best in their future endeavours.

— Rufai HangaConcluding his resignation letter.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog