“Betrayed by Kwankwaso?” Hanga Dumps NDC as APC Defection Rumours Explode

The political future of Senator Rufa’i Sani Hanga has taken a dramatic turn after the lawmaker officially resigned from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), ending days of speculation and fueling…

Sulaiman Umar August 03, 2026  ·  12:00 AM
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“Betrayed by Kwankwaso?” Hanga Dumps NDC as APC Defection Rumours Explode
“Betrayed by Kwankwaso?” Hanga Dumps NDC as APC Defection Rumours Explode

The political future of Senator Rufa’i Sani Hanga has taken a dramatic turn after the lawmaker officially resigned from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), ending days of speculation and fueling fresh debate over his next political destination.

Hanga, who represents Kano Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly and serves as the Senate Chief Minority Whip, formally announced his departure in a resignation letter dated August 3, 2026.

The letter, addressed to the Chairman of the NDC in Dakata Ward, Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, confirmed that his resignation takes immediate effect.

According to the senator, the decision was reached after what he described as “careful reflection and personal deliberation.”

He also requested that his name be removed from the party’s membership register at the ward level and attached his official NDC membership card as part of the resignation process.

Hanga explained that he was withdrawing from the party to pursue “other personal commitments and career paths,” though he stopped short of revealing his next political move.

Despite his exit, the lawmaker expressed gratitude to the party leadership, members of the Ward Executive Committee, and supporters for the cooperation, opportunities, and fellowship he enjoyed during his time in the NDC.

However, comments from his son have added a new twist to the unfolding political drama.

In a post shared on his verified Facebook page on Monday, Samir Rufa’i Sani Hanga suggested that his father's departure was not merely a personal decision but the result of broken trust within the political fold.

“Betrayal has forced my father out of the political journey he embraced in good faith,” Samir wrote, hinting that issues of loyalty and internal disagreements may have played a major role in the senator’s exit.

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The resignation is widely seen as the final chapter in Hanga’s long and increasingly strained relationship with the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Political observers note that tensions between the two politicians had become increasingly visible in recent months, particularly following disagreements over political alignments and the future direction of the movement.

Although Hanga has not publicly declared where he is headed next, recent political developments have intensified speculation that he may be preparing to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The senator recently held a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa alongside Senator Barau I. Jibrin, who represents Kano North Senatorial District.

Before that meeting, Hanga was also reported to have held separate closed-door discussions with Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

These high-profile engagements have fueled growing speculation among political analysts that the Kano Central senator may have already concluded plans to defect to the APC.

Hanga's political journey has witnessed several twists in recent years. After falling out with key figures in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), he left alongside Kwankwaso for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) before later moving to the NDC.

His latest resignation now appears to confirm a complete political separation from the Kwankwasiyya leader, a relationship that once defined his political trajectory.

With the 2027 political calculations already taking shape, Hanga’s next move is expected to attract significant attention, particularly in Kano, where shifting alliances continue to reshape the state's political landscape.

Written by

Sulaiman Umar

Sulaiman Umar is an editor and reporter with extensive experience in economic journalism, analyzing financial and agricultural developments in Northern Nigeria.

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