Senator Rufai Hanga Resigns From NDC, Cites Ticket Commercialization and Signals APC Defection Following Tinubu Realignment
Appearing live on TVC News, the Senator representing Kano Central and Deputy Minority Whip of the Senate, Senator Rufai Hanga, publicly confirmed his resignation from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dispel political rumors, Hanga explained that his exit was triggered by internal party corruption and the arbitrary commercialization of primary tickets—most notably surrounding the Kano Central senatorial ticket awarded to Nasiru Gawuna—rather than simple electoral grievance.
Denying that Rabiu Kwankwaso was ever his political "godfather," Hanga highlighted his long-standing political relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dating back to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Third Republic Assembly, signaling a strategic realignment toward the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Deep-Dive Analysis
Internal Party Friction, Ticket Monetization, and the Collapse of Northern Opposition
Senator Hanga detailed the structural decay within the opposition party leadership, refuting claims of personal spite while condemning systemic primary malpractice.
1. Rejection of Godfather Mandates and Commercialized Nominations
Rejection of "Godfather" Framing: Hanga clarified that Rabiu Kwankwaso was a political peer and contemporary rather than a mentor, emphasizing that Hanga entered active national politics and held legislative office prior to Kwankwaso's political career.
Commercialization of Party Nominations: Hanga revealed that party tickets within the NDC transformed into high-stakes commercial transactions, where long-serving party loyalists were systematically sidelined in favor of handpicked candidates.
Gawuna Ticket Fallout: While denying personal malice over losing the Kano Central ticket to former Deputy Governor Nasiru Gawuna, Hanga stressed that he chose to exit to avoid being consumed by a corrupt nomination apparatus.
"I decided to leave the party because of developments in the party. Seats became commercialized... They were carefully selecting people and giving them seats, and I saw something bad coming. I decided to leave so I am not consumed by the system."
2. Reconnection with President Tinubu and the Collapse of NDC's Electoral Survival
Historical Alliance with President Tinubu: Tracing his political ties with President Bola Tinubu back to their time in the SDP and National Assembly, Hanga highlighted how he personally released the original Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) registration certificate at Tinubu's direct intervention during the founding of the APC.
Dismantling Northern NDC Representation: Hanga’s resignation leaves the NDC without a single Senate representative from Northern Nigeria, severely fracturing the party's grassroots foundation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Litigation and Structural Weakness: Expressing deep skepticism over the party's political future, Hanga argued that ongoing litigations and internal defections have fatally eroded public trust, predicting that the NDC may fail to survive on the ballot by 2027.
"Nobody believes NDC will survive because of the current things happening—the litigations, so many things happening. People believe it will not survive and so a lot of people are leaving... If they are lucky to survive, APC will beat them hands down."
Published by Qubes Magazine
Founder & Editor-in-Chief: Okwudili Onyido
Stay informed and ahead with breaking news, entertainment, and exclusive updates from Qubes Magazine—your trusted source for digital journalism.
Contact: info@qubesmagazine.com.ng
© 2026 Qubes Magazine. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from the publisher.
Post a Comment