Hanga, Gaya Visit Tinubu as APC Defection Rumours Intensify
By Bala Salihu Dawakin KuduDemocracy Newsline Northern Bureau ChiefJuly 27, 2026
Fresh political developments in Kano State have intensified speculation over a possible wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following a high-profile meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Rufai Hanga, and former Senator Kabiru Gaya at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting, led by Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has fueled widespread rumours that Senator Hanga, who represents Kano Central Senatorial District, may be on the verge of leaving the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the APC.
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Senator Barau disclosed that the delegation met with President Tinubu in what he described as a fruitful discussion but declined to reveal the details. Political observers, however, believe the meeting forms part of ongoing consultations aimed at strengthening the APC’s political influence in Kano ahead of future political contests.
The latest development follows a series of strategic engagements involving Hanga, including a closed-door meeting on July 19 with APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and Senator Barau in Abuja. Earlier, Hanga also held talks with Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, further fueling speculation about his political future.
Sources familiar with the consultations say discussions have centered on Hanga’s possible return to the APC after years of remaining politically aligned with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. His meeting with President Tinubu is widely seen as the strongest indication yet that a defection could be imminent.
Former Senator Kabiru Gaya’s presence at the meeting has also attracted attention. Gaya had left the APC after losing the party’s senatorial primary and later joined the NDC, where he also failed to secure the party’s ticket. His renewed engagement with top APC leaders has sparked rumours that he, too, may be considering a return to the ruling party.
Although none of the politicians has officially announced a defection, the series of high-level meetings has heightened political tension and strengthened expectations that significant realignments may soon reshape Kano’s political landscape.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 27TH JULY)
