President Bola Tinubu on Sunday met with two prominent chieftains of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rufai Hanga and Senator Kabiru Gaya, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, fueling fresh speculation about their planned defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The two Kano politicians arrived at the Presidential Villa in the company of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau.
The meeting comes amid growing reports that Hanga and Gaya are preparing to dump the NDC for the APC after failing to secure their preferred political positions within the opposition party.
Hanga, a former senator, reportedly missed out on both the Kano Central Senatorial ticket and the party’s deputy governorship slot. Reports also indicate that he became dissatisfied after failing to secure any political appointment linked to the NDC’s vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Similarly, Gaya, who sought the Kano South Senatorial ticket under the NDC, was reportedly edged out after the party settled for a consensus candidate backed by Kwankwaso’s political camp.
Their meeting with President Tinubu followed an earlier engagement with the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, a development that has further strengthened reports of their imminent move to the ruling party.
Political observers believe the latest meeting at the Presidential Villa signals advanced discussions ahead of their expected formal defection.
Both Hanga and Gaya are reportedly expected to officially join the APC next week, although neither politician has publicly confirmed the move.
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