The APC National Chairman had earlier visited the homes of Hanga and Gaya, fueling talk of imminent defection. “The story that the ruling APC is trying by all means to woo Kano Central Senator Rufai Sani Hanga and former Kano Governor Kabiru Gaya is everywhere. Despite the visible courtship by APC, Mairiga insisted that the party still considers Hanga and Gaya as their members. Dukawa explained that the strength of any political party lies in the number and quality of its members. He noted that while defections are common in Nigerian politics, their impact depends on the political weight of those leaving.