Senator Rufa’i Hanga has said the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso stands little chance of winning the 2027 presidential election, amid growing speculation that he may soon join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Hanga, who represents Kano Central Senatorial District, made the remarks during an interview with Freedom Radio after separate meetings with Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda.
The meetings have fuelled reports that he is preparing to leave the NDC.
The senator said he no longer believes the NDC can win the presidency, arguing that neither Obi nor Kwankwaso has sufficient national support.
“In the North, Obi has Kwankwaso as running mate, and Kwankwaso is only popular in Kano. Even now, his popularity is 50/50 because previously, while we were in the ADC, we had people in Katsina, Jigawa and Kaduna, but those people refused to join us in the NDC and remained in the ADC,” Hanga said.
He also claimed Obi’s political strength is largely limited to Anambra State and parts of southern Nigeria, while saying the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, would have a better chance of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the North West and North East because of growing public dissatisfaction over insecurity and economic hardship.
Speaking about his relationship with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Hanga said choosing a different political path should not be seen as betrayal.
“Now, if I leave Kwankwaso, nobody can say I betrayed anybody. If anyone says I betrayed someone, I will recommend that person be sent to Goron Dutse Prison or Dawanau Psychiatric Hospital,” he said.
Hanga added that he remained loyal to Kwankwaso after Governor Yusuf left the movement and travelled with him across the country.
Reports suggest that his relationship with Kwankwaso later deteriorated after he lost the Kano Central senatorial ticket and was reportedly passed over for the deputy governorship position.
He also revealed that he was outside Nigeria receiving medical treatment when the party announced Mustapha Kwankwaso as its deputy governorship candidate.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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