Kano Lawmaker Switches to NDC After Losing APC Return Ticket

A significant political shift has occurred in Kano State as Abdulmajid Mai Rigar Fata, a member of the Kano State House of Assembly representing Gwale Constituency, officially defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The lawmaker, who represents the Gwale Local Government Area—home to Governor Abba Yusuf—was warmly received on Thursday by former Kano State governor and prominent NDC leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, at his Maitama residence in Abuja.

The announcement was shared publicly by Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, via a Facebook post. Hassan noted:

“Today, Thursday, 21st May 2026, His Excellency, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, welcomed Hon. Abdulmajid Isa Umar Mai Rigar Fata, member representing Gwale Constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly, following his defection from the APC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), at his residence in Maitama, Abuja.

“Also received were Hon. Kabiru Sani Auwal Obi, former Vice Chairman of Gwale Local Government, and Mal. Mahadi Isa Umar, who joined the party alongside him.”

Mai Rigar Fata was initially elected to the Kano State House of Assembly in 2023 under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) before joining the APC in alignment with Governor Yusuf. However, his recent shift to the NDC came after failing to secure the APC return ticket for the upcoming Assembly elections, as reported by Daily Trust.

This political movement coincided with a Federal High Court ruling on Thursday that cleared the way for politicians to explore alternative political parties ahead of elections.

African Democratic Congress (ADC) spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, commented on the ruling, highlighting its potential to trigger multiple defections from the APC. The party stated:

“The court’s decision on these issues, including those that directly contradict the Constitution, is therefore a welcome vindication of our position.

“The judgment removes restrictions affecting politicians seeking alternative platforms to contest elections, promoting freedom of association. We believe this will lead to a mass exodus from the ruling party in the coming days.”

This development marks another notable episode in the dynamic political landscape of Kano State, reflecting the ongoing realignment among key politicians ahead of the forthcoming elections.