Some political bigwigs and loyalists of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State on Saturday.

The ‌⁠‍‍⁠⁠‌‍‌⁠‌‍‍⁠‍‌defectors included a serving Senator representing Kano Central, Rufai Sani-Hanga and a former governor, Kabiru Ibrahim-Gaya.

Others were Ali Datti-Yako, former NDC state deputy chairman; former speaker of the state House of Assembly, Isyaku Ali-Danja; NDC state assembly aspirant, Kabiru Kofar-Ruwa; and Senator Baraka Sani.

Two former New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) state chairmen, Mas’ud Eljibrin-Doguwa and Abdullahi Zubairu-Abiya, as well as Badaru Umar, former chairman of Ungogo Local Government Council and Senator Abdulmajid Dauda-Dandawaki, were also among the defectors.

The defectors were received during a formal inauguration of the Tinubu Support Groups (TSG) 2.0 State Chapters and a grand reception, which attracted a mammoth crowd.

They were received by APC National Chairman Prof. Nantawe Yilwatda, Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf, former Governor Abdullahi Umar-Ganduje, and Senator Barau Jibril, representing Kano North.

In his remarks, the governor described the development as a significant addition to the APC family in Kano.

He said Mr Sani-Hanga and his supporters’ decision reflected growing confidence in the party and its leadership.

While welcoming the senator and other defectors to the party, Mr Kabir-Yusuf assured them that APC would remain a broad platform where all members would have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and Nigeria at large.

He urged them to join hands with other APC stakeholders and work toward strengthening the unity, peace and stability within the party.

Speaking on behalf of defectors, Mr Sani-Hanga expressed their commitment to APC and pledged to work with the governor and other party leaders toward achieving victory in the 2027 general elections.

Earlier, the APC Chairman in the state, Umar Doguwa, declared that the state is for the party, urging members to come together to ensure victory in the forthcoming elections.

In his remarks, Mr Umar-Ganduje described the mammoth crowd that greeted the detection as proof that the state is for the APC.

He urged Nigerians to continue to support the policies and programmes of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

Mr Umar-Ganduje, a former APC national chairman, assured that the administration would continue to provide more dividends of democracy and implement policies and programmes that would move the country forward.

(NAN)