•Senator Rufai Hanga
The Senator representing Kano Central, Rufai Sani Hanga, has formally resigned from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), ending months of speculation over his future in the party.
Hanga, who also serves as the Senate’s Deputy Minority Whip, conveyed his decision in a resignation letter dated August 3, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the NDC in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
The ranking senator, however, did not disclose his next political destination, reports Channels TV.
In the letter, Hanga attributed his departure to personal reasons, saying he needed to step away from partisan activities to focus on personal engagements that had suffered due to his political commitments.
“I have decided to withdraw my membership of the party to enable me concentrate on some of my personal activities, which have been affected,” he stated.
The resignation comes amid sustained speculation about his political future following reports of strained relations within the NDC leadership in Kano.
Hanga was edged out during the party’s last primary election after the Kano Central Senatorial District ticket was awarded to Yusuf Gawuna, a relatively new entrant to the party.
Despite the speculation, the senator made no reference to any disagreement in his resignation letter and did not indicate whether he intends to join another political party.
His exit has nevertheless fuelled fresh speculation that he could be heading to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following separate meetings in recent weeks with prominent party leaders, including APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who were reportedly seeking to persuade him to align with the ruling party.
Political attention had also focused on Hanga after his meeting with President Bola Tinubu, after which he stated during a radio programme that although he expected Tinubu to win the presidency, his party would struggle to secure electoral victory in Kano State.
