Hanga fires back at Kwankwaso, rejects age, health concerns over political ambition

By Musa Baba Adamu

Former Senator representing Kano Central, Rufai Sani Hanga, has dismissed claims that his age and health make him unfit for elective office, accusing former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of using those reasons to sideline him politically.
Hanga, who was once a close ally of Kwankwaso and a prominent figure in the Kwankwasiyya movement, said he was unfairly denied the opportunity to contest either the deputy governorship position or reclaim his Senate seat.
Speaking during a radio programme in Kano, the former lawmaker challenged Kwankwaso’s justification, insisting that his physical condition has not affected his ability to serve.
According to him, references to his leg condition are politically motivated and do not reflect his actual state of health.
“As of today, I’m healthier than Kwankwaso,” Hanga said, adding that the former Kano governor is two years older than him.
He maintained that his leg ailment has never hindered his legislative responsibilities and questioned the relevance of age in political leadership.
Hanga also pointed to Kwankwaso’s own political career, asking how old the former governor was when he first assumed office and how old he is now as the vice-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The comments mark the latest public fallout between the two politicians, highlighting growing tensions within Kwankwaso’s former political camp.