Kano opposition senator Hanga, 136,000 join APC

Senator Rufai Hanga, the only opposition senator from Kano State, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday, September 5, 2026, alongside approximately 136,000 supporters and other political figures. The mass defection occurred during a large rally at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, where the party also unveiled campaign structures for President Bola Tinubu's reelection bid ahead of the 2027 general elections. Hanga, who represents Kano Central, was received by APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, and former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. He had previously defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in May 2026, citing internal party disputes. His move to the APC leaves the opposition without representation in the Senate from Kano, joining Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Senator Kawu Sumaila, who are already in the ruling party. The event drew a massive crowd that reportedly spilled beyond the stadium into surrounding areas, including Kantin Kwari Market and IBB Way.