Senate Dep. Minority Leader, Kano’s Senator Hanga Quits NDC

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Days after vehemently debunking claims of his imminent exit from the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, the Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District ,and Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Rufai Hanga on Monday August 3, 2026, announced his resignation from the Party.

Rufai, alongside former Kano South Senatorial District representative and former Governor of Kano, Kabiru Gaya, were a couple weeks ago strongly speculated to be on the verge of leaving the nascent opposition platform after their separate meetings with the All Progressive Congress, APC, National Chairman.

But on a local Radio station interview last week, Senator Hanga apparently rumoured to be unwilling to vacate his Deputy Senate  Minority Leadership position, rejected his NDC exit claims.

While acknowledging the existence of a rift between him and the NDC Presidential Running Mate , Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Kano Central Senator insisted that  he was  still a member of the party.

He however downplayed the chances of the opposition party upstaging the APC at the national level come 2027 polls.

In a letter of resignation addressed to the Dakata Ward chairman of the NDC in Nasarawa local council of Kano , Hanga said his resignation which takes immediate effect ,was informed by the need to pursue personal commitments and on a different political path.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to you, the Ward Executive Chairman and the entire membership of Dakata Ward for the opportunities, support and fellowship enjoyed during my time with the party.

” I cherish the relationships built ,and the experiences shared during our political activities together”, he stated.

The Source reports that Hanga’s resignation came months after his failure to clinch the NDC return ticket to the National Assembly.

Not known for much political clout, Hanga had, in 2023, ridden on the back of the Kwankwasiyya Movement to land at the National Assembly.

However, after crossing over to the NDC together with Senator Kwankwaso and other New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, members, Hanga’s hopes of securing a return ticket was dashed when it was rather handed to Dr Nasir Gawuna 2023 APC Governorship candidate and former Deputy Governor under Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s administration.

The failure of Gawuna to tie down the NDC gubernatorial ticket as widely expected, led to the party sacrificing Hanga ,a development that never went down well with him.

However,it is doubtful if his exit will have any noticable negative effects on the electoral fortunes of the NDC.