Massive Defection Hits Kano As Lone Opposition Lawmaker Joins APC With 136,000 Followers

Senator representing Kano Central, Rufa’i Hanga, has defected from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move that has further reshaped the political landscape in Kano State.

Hanga, who had been described as the only opposition senator from Kano, joined the ruling party on Saturday alongside several political leaders and about 136,000 supporters.

The defectors were formally received by APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and former governor Abdullahi Ganduje during a mega rally held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

The event also featured the unveiling of the Tinubu Support Group, a political structure established to support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for another term in office.

Several prominent political figures were present at the rally, with Yilwatda, Yusuf and Ganduje among those welcoming the new members into the APC. A number of opposition leaders were also seen at the event wearing APC-branded caps carrying the insignia of President Tinubu.

According to information shared by Hassan Tukur, Senior Special Assistant to the Kano governor on New Media, the defectors included Hanga, former senator and factional NNPP chairman Kabiru Gaya, and Ali Datti Yako, the Kano NDC vice-chairman.

Also listed among those who joined the APC were Badaru Umar, former chairman of Ungogo Local Government Area; Isyaku Danja, former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly; and Yusuf Danbatta, a former PDP deputy governorship candidate, alongside their respective supporters.

Speaking at the rally, former Kano governor Ganduje described the large gathering as evidence that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda was gaining traction.

Ganduje expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, describing the president as a progressive leader with a long-term vision for Nigeria’s development.

The latest wave of defections is expected to further intensify political realignments in Kano ahead of the 2027 general elections.