In a major political shift ahead of upcoming elections, prominent allies and key political figures loyal to Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday afternoon.
​The high-profile defections were finalized during a grand reception and formal inauguration ceremony for the state chapter of the Tinubu Support Groups (TSG) 2.0.
The event took place on Saturday, September 5, at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, attracting a massive crowd of party faithful and supporters from across all 44 local government areas of the state.
​Among the prominent political heavyweights who dumped the NDC for the APC were; Senator Rufai Sani-Hanga, a Serving Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District.
Kabiru Ibrahim-Gaya: Former Governor of Kano State, Ali Datti-Yako: Former NDC State Deputy Chairman, Isyaku Ali-Danja: Former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Senator Baraka Sani & Senator Abdulmajid Dauda-Dandawaki: Key regional political leaders and Mas’ud Eljibrin-Doguwa & Abdullahi Zubairu-Abiya: Former state chairmen of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
​The defectors were formally received by high-ranking APC officials, including APC National Chairman Prof. Nantawe Yilwatda, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf, former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar-Ganduje, and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibril.
​In his address, Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf welcomed the defectors, describing their arrival as a decisive moment for Kano politics.
​”The decision of Senator Sani-Hanga and other prominent leaders to join our fold reflects growing public confidence in the APC’s vision,” Governor Kabir-Yusuf stated. “Our party remains an open platform, and we assure all new members equal opportunity to contribute to the progress of Kano State and Nigeria.”
​Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Senator Rufai Sani-Hanga cited internal party realignments and a commitment to state development as their primary motivations.
​”We are formally pledging our unalloyed loyalty to the APC,” Sani-Hanga declared. “We are ready to work hand-in-hand with the governor and party leadership to guarantee a sweeping victory in the 2027 general elections.”
​APC State Chairman Umar Doguwa and former governor Abdullahi Umar-Ganduje both described the massive turnout as clear proof of the ruling party’s dominant footing in Kano State, urging all members to remain united behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
