Hon. Abdulmajid Isa Umar Mai Rigar Fata, member of the Kano State House of Assembly representing Gwale Constituency, has officially defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The lawmaker was formally received on Thursday, May 21, 2026, by former Kano State Governor and NDC leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at his residence in Maitama, Abuja. He was received alongside Hon. Kabiru Sani Auwal Obi, former Vice Chairman of Gwale Local Government, and Mal. Mahadi Isa Umar.
Announcing the development, Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, stated:
“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).”
Hon. Mai Rigar Fata was first elected to the Kano State House of Assembly in 2023 under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) before joining the APC alongside Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. His latest move is understood to stem from his inability to secure the APC ticket for a return to the Assembly.
The defection comes hours after a Federal High Court ruling that is expected to ease restrictions on politicians seeking to change platforms ahead of future elections. Political observers view this as a significant development in Kano’s evolving political landscape, particularly in Gwale Local Government Area, the home base of Governor Abba Yusuf.
Senator Kwankwaso and the NDC leadership welcomed the lawmaker, describing his decision as a bold step towards strengthening democratic choices and good governance in Kano State.