NEWS
“This Is Extremely Painful but We Move” — NDC Reacts as Two Kano Chieftains Prepare to Join APC
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed disappointment over the planned defection of two of its prominent Kano State chieftains, Senators Rufai Hanga and Kabiru Gaya, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with the party describing the development as a painful setback.
Theo Abu Agada, the Director of New Media and Strategic Communications of the NDC, reacted to the development on Monday, a day after President Bola Tinubu received the two politicians at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Reacting to the reports, Agada did not hide his emotions, writing in a brief but telling post:
“This is extremely painful but we move.”
His remarks have since drawn attention across political circles, reflecting the growing concern within the opposition party over the impending departure of two influential northern political figures.
The speculation surrounding the senators’ exit gained further momentum after Hanga and Gaya visited the Presidential Villa alongside the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau. The visit fueled widespread reports that both lawmakers are expected to formally dump the NDC for the APC next week.
Their anticipated defection is being viewed as another significant political gain for the ruling party ahead of the build-up to the 2027 general elections, while raising fresh questions about internal cohesion within the NDC.
Sources familiar with the situation indicate that both senators became increasingly dissatisfied with their standing in the party following key decisions made in preparation for the next election cycle.
Senator Rufai Hanga reportedly lost out on the NDC’s Kano Central Senatorial ticket and was also denied the party’s deputy governorship slot. His frustrations were said to have deepened after he was overlooked for any political appointment by the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Senator Kabiru Gaya is also believed to have become disillusioned after his bid for the NDC’s Kano South Senatorial ticket failed. The party eventually settled for a consensus candidate backed by Kwankwaso’s political camp, leaving Gaya without the ticket he had sought.
Before their meeting with President Tinubu, both politicians had already held talks with the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, in a move widely interpreted as laying the groundwork for their expected defection.
With the formal switch expected in the coming days, political observers believe the development could reshape the political landscape in Kano State and further strengthen the APC’s influence in the region as preparations for the 2027 elect
ions gather momentum.