In a significant political shift, Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, representing Kano Central, has officially left the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). This move was made public on Tuesday when Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Hanga’s resignation letter during the plenary session.
In his letter, Senator Hanga cited persistent internal conflicts within the NNPP as the primary reason for his departure. He pointed out that factional disagreements and unclear leadership directions had created an unstable political atmosphere, making it difficult for him to carry out his legislative duties effectively. According to Hanga, the internal wrangling within the party had become a major distraction from his responsibilities.
After extensive consultations with his constituents and key political stakeholders, Hanga concluded that the NDC aligns more closely with his political ideals and vision for governance. He expressed confidence that the NDC provides a more conducive environment for him to serve the people effectively.
The defection now leaves the NNPP without any representation in the Senate. The current composition of the Senate reflects this change: APC holds 89 seats, ADC has 7, PDP retains 4, NDC increases to 3, APGA has 1, NNPP is now at 0, Accord has 1, and the Labour Party has 1 seat. This development marks a significant blow to the NNPP’s legislative presence.