Kano APC Chair Meets with Senators Amid Political Changes

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on Sunday held a private meeting with the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, and Senator Rufai Hanga from Kano Central. This meeting happened as political shifts increase ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yilwatda shared details about the meeting in a statement on his verified X account on Sunday. He referred to Hanga as a key leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Kano State.

According to Yilwatda, they discussed unity, peace, and continuous progress for Kano State. He stressed the need for political leaders to work together for the people's benefit.

"I had the pleasure of meeting with the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, alongside Senator Rufai Hanga, one of the foremost leaders of the NDC in Kano State," Yilwatda said.

He added, "Our engagement was marked by frank, constructive, and cordial discussions centred on the unity and continued progress of Kano State."

The APC chairman also mentioned, "As leaders, we have a collective responsibility to foster dialogue, build consensus where possible, and strengthen the foundations of our democracy. Nigeria’s future will be brighter when we continue to place the interests of our citizens above partisan divides and work together for the common good."

Though Yilwatda, Barau, and Hanga did not reveal specific details of their talks, this meeting comes during a time of increased political activity in Kano. Alignments and realignments are ongoing as the 2027 elections approach.

Hanga is the only senator representing the NDC from Kano State. He recently lost the party’s ticket to run for re-election in the Kano Central Senatorial District. The party has now chosen former Kano State Deputy Governor Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as its candidate for the upcoming election.

This shift followed the political changes brought about by Governor Abba Yusuf’s move from the New Nigeria People’s Party to the APC.

Many of the governor’s supporters joined him in the APC, but Hanga stayed with the faction loyal to Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. This group later teamed up with the African Democratic Congress before deciding to use NDC as their platform.

In these political shifts, former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo left the Kano State Government and became the NDC governorship candidate. Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was named as his running mate.

Hanga recently voiced his disappointment over feeling sidelined within the NDC after losing the party’s senatorial ticket. This has led to rumors that he might be considering his political options ahead of the 2027 elections.