Political Earthquake in Kano: Senator Hanga, Former Governor Gaya, and Opposition Heavyweights Defect to APC

KANO, Nigeria — In a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, key opposition figures in Kano State—led by Senator Rufa’i Hanga and former Governor Kabiru Gaya—have officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The formal reception took place at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kofar Mata, Kano, during the official inauguration of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) 2.0 National Structure and State Executive Committees.

High-Profile Defectors Joining the APC

Senator Hanga, representing Kano Central, previously served as the sole senator for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the state before tendering his formal resignation. His defection accompanies a broader wave of prominent political figures crossing party lines.

The mass defection also included members affiliated with the political movement of Nasiru Gawuna, the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate, along with thousands of grassroots supporters across local government areas.

Strategic Realignments Ahead of 2027

Addressing the gathering, party leadership and state officials noted that the arrival of key opposition figures severely weakens opposition alliances in Kano State while strengthening the APC’s grassroots base.

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf described the influx as a testament to the growing acceptance of the party’s developmental agenda across the state:

“The mass defection is a strong indication of the growing acceptance of the APC in Kano State… The collective interest of the people must remain the priority, and existing members must accommodate the new entrants as we expand our political base.” — Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

The newly received members pledged to mobilize grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC administration, citing confidence in national economic reforms and regional governance stability.