APC National Chairman Visits Kano Senator Amid Defection Speculation
APC national chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda visited Senator Rufai Sani Hanga in Kano, amid reports the party is courting him amid alleged rifts with Kwankwasiyya leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified recruitment efforts in Kano State, highlighted by a visit from its national chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to Senator Rufai Sani Hanga. The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, was described as a courtesy call but comes amid growing speculation about Hanga's political alignment ahead of upcoming elections.
According to Naija News, Yilwatda's visit underscores the APC's strategic push to consolidate support in northern Nigeria, particularly in Kano, a key political battleground. The interaction followed public overtures by APC leaders in the state, who have suggested that Hanga has been marginalized within the Kwankwasiyya Movement led by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Daily Trust reported that APC chieftains in Kano have accused Kwankwaso of sidelining Hanga, creating an opening for the ruling party to recruit the sitting senator. While neither Yilwatda nor Hanga commented on the political implications of the meeting, the timing aligns with broader efforts by the APC to attract opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. The engagement reflects ongoing realignments within Kano’s political elite, where personal loyalties and factional dynamics continue to shape electoral strategies.
The visit has sparked debate among political observers about the potential for shifts in Kano’s legislative representation. As reported by Daily Trust, APC’s approach appears to hinge on perceived grievances within the opposition camp, particularly around inclusion and recognition. No formal defection has been announced, but the national chairman’s personal involvement signals the significance the APC places on Hanga’s potential allegiance.