Fresh speculation has emerged over the political future of Senator Rufa’i Sani Hanga, the only senator elected on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from Kano State, after he declared that Peter Obi and his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso cannot win the 2027 presidential election. The remarks came amid reports that the lawmaker may be preparing to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after separate meetings with Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda.
Political uncertainty has deepened within the NDC after Senator Rufa’i Hanga, who represents Kano Central Senatorial District, openly questioned his party’s chances of winning the 2027 presidential election.
His comments have intensified speculation that he is on the verge of dumping the opposition party for the APC, following recent high-profile political meetings in Kano and Abuja.
Speaking during an interview with Freedom Radio, Hanga argued that Peter Obi lacks the nationwide political support required to defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
He claimed Obi’s electoral strength remains largely concentrated in Anambra State and parts of the South-East, while his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, now commands less influence than before, even within Kano State.
According to the senator, the NDC ticket does not currently possess the geographical spread needed to secure victory in a presidential election.
Before making the remarks, Hanga reportedly held separate meetings with APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and later with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Although he did not publicly confirm plans to leave the NDC, the back-to-back meetings have fueled widespread speculation that he may soon formally defect to the ruling party.
Hanga also suggested that his political relationship with Kwankwaso has deteriorated following disagreements over the party’s nomination process.
Reports indicate the senator was dissatisfied after allegedly losing his senatorial ticket and being sidelined during the selection of the NDC deputy governorship candidate in Kano, developments believed to have widened divisions within the party.
While criticising the NDC ticket, Hanga argued that the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, stands a better chance of defeating President Tinubu across parts of northern Nigeria.
He cited worsening insecurity and economic hardship as factors he believes could influence voting patterns in the North-West and North-East during the next general election.
Although Senator Hanga has not officially announced his defection, his public criticism of his own party’s presidential ticket has intensified political speculation ahead of the 2027 elections. Whether he ultimately joins the APC remains uncertain, but his comments have added fresh pressure on the NDC as it seeks to maintain unity before the campaign season.