Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket Has Little Chance in 2027 — Senator Hanga

Senator Rufa’i Hanga has dismissed the chances of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso in the 2027 general election, saying the alliance lacks the nationwide support needed to secure victory.

The senator, who represents Kano Central Senatorial District, made the remarks during an interview with Freedom Radio following separate meetings with Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda.

The meetings have intensified speculation that Hanga may soon defect from the NDC to the ruling APC.

Speaking during the interview, Hanga said he no longer believes the NDC has the capacity to win the presidency, arguing that the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have limited political influence outside their traditional strongholds.

“In the North, Obi has Kwankwaso as running mate, and Kwankwaso is only popular in Kano. Even now, his popularity is 50/50 because previously, while we were in the ADC, we had people in Katsina, Jigawa and Kaduna, but those people refused to join us in the NDC and remained in the ADC,” Hanga said.

He also claimed that Obi’s political appeal is largely concentrated in Anambra State and parts of southern Nigeria.

According to the senator, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, would stand a better chance of challenging President Bola Tinubu in the North-West and North-East due to increasing public dissatisfaction over insecurity and the economy.

Hanga also addressed reports of a strained relationship with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, insisting that choosing a different political direction should not be interpreted as betrayal.

“Now, if I leave Kwankwaso, nobody can say I betrayed anybody. If anyone says I betrayed someone, I will recommend that person be sent to Goron Dutse Prison or Dawanau Psychiatric Hospital,” he said.

The senator maintained that he remained loyal to Kwankwaso after Governor Yusuf left the movement and travelled with him across the country.

He, however, disclosed that their relationship later deteriorated after he lost the Kano Central senatorial ticket and was reportedly overlooked for the deputy governorship position.

Hanga also revealed that he was abroad receiving medical treatment when the party announced Mustapha Kwankwaso as its deputy governorship candidate.