NDC Appeals to Senator Hanga Amid Defection Rumors

Hussaini Mairiga, the Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State, has appealed to the party's only senator, Rufai Hanga, to remain with the NDC amid rumors of his potential defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Mairiga stated in an interview with PUNCH that neither Hanga nor former Senator Kabiru Gaya has formally communicated any intention to leave the party.

The speculation arises following their meetings with APC leaders, including a recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu. Hanga reportedly lost the NDC's consensus ticket for the 2027 Kano Central Senatorial District to Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, who previously defected from the APC to the African Democratic Congress before joining the NDC.

Gaya also lost his consensus ticket for Kano South. Mairiga accused the APC, particularly its former National Chairman Dr.

Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, of attempting to woo Hanga and Gaya. He urged them to address any grievances within the party rather than considering defection.