ABUJA — Fresh political turbulence has hit the opposition coalition following the sudden resignation of Senator Rufai Hanga, representing Kano Central, from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). His exit leaves the party without any legislative representation in the Senate across the entire Northern region just weeks before the official launch of the 2027 campaign season.
In his formal resignation letter dated August 3, 2026, Senator Hanga, who served as Deputy Minority Whip of the Senate, cited personal commitments for his departure without immediately naming his next political destination. However, reports confirm that the Kano lawmaker held high-level meetings at Aso Rock with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside former Kano Governor Kabir Gaya and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, fueling speculation of an imminent move to the ruling party.
Compounding the party’s troubles, the Obi-Kwankwaso campaign platform, widely known as the OK Movement, has descended into a public leadership dispute. Two competing factions are currently locked in a bitter clash over the position of Director General, trading accusations of an administrative power grab. Spokespersons confirmed on Arise TV that presidential candidate Peter Obi has been briefed on the rift and expressed deep dissatisfaction with the internal strife.
Political analysts on Clearpath TV’s Election Matters observed that the twin crises threaten the core strategy of the opposition alliance, which relies heavily on a unified South-North bridge to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress. With campaign activities set to open on August 19, the coalition faces urgent pressure to resolve its internal leadership battles and prevent further defections from its Northern base.
