2027: APC woos Kwankwaso ally as NDC cracks widen

The All Progressives Congress (APC)  has intensified moves to pull Senator Rufai Hanga out of Rabiu Kwankwaso’s political camp ahead of the 2027 general election.

APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda raised the stakes on Thursday when he held talks with Hanga, a prominent Nigeria Democratic Congress chieftain and senator representing Kano Central.

Yilwatda described the meeting as a courtesy visit, saying their discussion focused on the “unity, peace, stability and future of Kano State.”

But the timing of the encounter has fuelled speculation that the ruling party’s national leadership has joined the campaign to lure Hanga away from Kwankwaso and the NDC.

The meeting came barely two days after a delegation of Kano APC leaders visited Hanga and openly asked him to join the ruling party.

Led by the party’s state vice-chairman, Salisu Maje Gwangwazo, the delegation claimed that Hanga had been sidelined despite his longstanding loyalty to Kwankwaso.

The APC leaders reportedly approached the senator after he failed to secure the NDC ticket to contest for another term in Kano Central.

Hanga had also been linked with the party’s deputy governorship ticket before the position reportedly went to another aspirant.

The Kano APC delegation urged him to follow Governor Abba Yusuf into the ruling party, promising that he would be respected and valued within its ranks. The Guardian

Fresh questions over Hanga’s political future emerged on Wednesday after photographs associated with the Kwankwasiyya Movement and NDC symbols were reportedly removed from his office.

Hanga did not explain the removal, while his aides offered no public clarification. He has also not formally announced his defection from the NDC. Independent

Speaking after Thursday’s meeting, Yilwatda avoided any reference to the defection controversy.

He said political leaders must work together to strengthen democracy and protect the interests of Nigerians, regardless of their party affiliations.

“Nigeria’s progress is best served when we build bridges of understanding, encourage constructive dialogue, and place the welfare of citizens above partisan considerations,” the APC chairman said.

He expressed confidence that such engagements would promote a more peaceful, united and prosperous Kano State.

However, his intervention has intensified the political battle for Hanga, one of Kwankwaso’s most prominent and longstanding allies in Kano.