Senator Rufai Sani Hanga has dismissed growing speculation that he is set to dump the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He insists that he remains a loyal member of his party despite recent political meetings that fueled defection rumours.
The lawmaker, who represents Kano Central Senatorial District, made the clarification during a local radio programme in Kano on Tuesday.
His comments come after weeks of speculation following a series of meetings with prominent APC leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and other top figures of the ruling party.
Addressing the reports, Hanga stated that he had not taken any decision to leave the NDC.
“I still remain a member of NDC and I have not yet made any plans of Decamping out,” the senator said.
Despite reaffirming his membership of the NDC, Hanga openly expressed doubts about the party’s chances in the next presidential election.
According to him, the party lacks the national strength and acceptance required to unseat the APC at the federal level.
“NDC will lose Nigeria, they can’t make any impact but I’m certain they will win Kano, this I know, and as for me I still remain a member of my Party,” he said.
The senator also spoke about his relationship with former Kano State governor and influential political leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Hanga said reports suggesting a complete breakdown in their relationship were inaccurate, noting that mutual respect still exists between both men despite political differences.
According to him, there has been no personal hostility between them.
Speaking further, Hanga gave details of events that led to the emergence of the NDC governorship ticket in Kano State.
He claimed that Kwankwaso had initially explored the possibility of positioning his son, Mustapha Kwankwaso, for the governorship race.
“Kwankwaso sent an email emissary to me through the NDC Chairman Hussaini Isa Mairiga that he was considering anointing his son, Mustapha, for governorship seat,” Hanga said.
The senator explained that he welcomed the proposal and even offered to support the project if it materialised.
“I bade them farewell and also told him he (Mairiga) to tell Kwankwaso that I was ready to be his son’s campaign manager. Since then, I did not hear anything from them,” he added.
Hanga further disclosed that he was later approached by Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo regarding the governorship contest.
According to him, Gwarzo informed him that Kwankwaso had selected him as the party’s governorship candidate and asked whether he would be willing to serve as deputy governorship candidate.
“After a few days, Aminu Abdussalam met me in Abuja and told me that Kwankwaso had made him gubernatorial candidate of the party and asked if I was ready to be his deputy. Although, I knew it was a demotion, I accepted but then I just heard that he (Kwankwaso) has made his son, Mustapha, the governor’s running mate,” Hanga stated.
Speculation about the defection of Senator Hanga intensified earlier this month after a series of high-profile meetings involving the Kano lawmaker and key APC figures.
On July 16, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda paid a visit to Hanga in Kano. Following the meeting, Yilwatda disclosed that their discussions focused on the future of Kano State and the need for cooperation among political leaders.
“Our discussions were cordial and focused on the unity, peace, stability, and future of Kano State,” Yilwatda said after the meeting.
The APC chairman also stressed that leaders across party lines have a responsibility to work together in the interest of the people.
A day later, reports emerged that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf also met with Hanga in Abuja amid increasing rumours that the senator was considering a move to the APC.
The speculation gained further momentum after Hanga was seen alongside APC leaders, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Yilwatda, during another closed-door engagement.
Days later, reports surfaced that the senator also held talks with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
However, despite these meetings, Hanga repeatedly maintained that he had not formally left the NDC.
