Kano: NDC Battles To Keep Hanga, Gaya After They Met Tinubu

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC is making a desperate bid to retain two of its most influential figures in Kano—Senator Rufai Sani Hanga and former Governor Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya—as mounting speculation links both politicians with a move to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
The anxiety within the opposition party followed the appearance of Hanga and Gaya alongside Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin during a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting came shortly after the APC National Chairman reportedly paid separate visits to the homes of the two politicians, fueling widespread reports that their defection is imminent.
Although neither Hanga nor Gaya has publicly declared plans to leave the NDC, the party admits it is increasingly concerned by the unfolding political drama.
Kano NDC Chairman Hussaini Isah Mairiga described the reports as disturbing, saying the party would regard the departure of either man as a major setback.
“The reports are everywhere, and we also saw them visiting President Tinubu. While they have not officially informed us of any intention to defect, the developments suggest there may be substance to the speculation,” Mairiga said.
He appealed to the two party stalwarts to reconsider any planned defection and instead engage the party leadership to resolve whatever grievances they may have.
“If we have offended them in any way, let us sit together and discuss it. We urge them to have a rethink because they remain highly valued members of our party,” he said.
Mairiga also disclosed that Senator Hanga had recently voiced concerns over his treatment within the party, but noted that NDC leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso deliberately chose not to respond immediately, preferring to allow tempers to cool before initiating dialogue.
Despite the visible courtship by the APC, the NDC insists that both Hanga and Gaya remain members of the party and maintains that their recent interactions with leaders of the ruling party should not yet be interpreted as confirmation of defection.