Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has resigned his membership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), citing deep-seated and irreconcilable internal divisions within the party.
The governor’s resignation comes alongside a mass defection involving 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 Local Government Chairmen across the state, marking one of the most significant political realignments in Kano’s recent history.
Governor Yusuf formally announced his decision in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Diso-Chiranchi Ward of the NNPP in Gwale Local Government Area.
According to the letter, his resignation takes effect from Sunday, January 25, 2026, following what he described as careful reflection and consideration of the prevailing circumstances within the party.
“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) of my decision to resign my membership of the party,” the governor stated.
He expressed appreciation to the party’s leadership and members across Kano State for the opportunity to be part of its political journey since 2022, as well as for the support and cooperation extended to him during his time in the party.
However, Governor Yusuf pointed to persistent internal crises as the driving force behind his decision.
He noted that the NNPP has, in recent times, been embroiled in leadership disputes and prolonged legal battles, many of which are currently before the courts.
According to him, these challenges have severely weakened party cohesion and confidence.
“The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable and have generated uncertainty at both state and national levels,” the letter read.
The governor emphasized that his decision was not borne out of malice or personal interest but was guided by what he believes is best for the people of Kano State.
He stressed that the prevailing instability within the party had become a distraction to governance and effective leadership.
“After careful reflection, and without prejudice to the party’s capacity to resolve its internal challenges, I have come to the conclusion that my resignation is in the best interest of the people of Kano State,” he said.
Governor Yusuf concluded by reaffirming his commitment to peace, unity, and the continued progress of the state, describing his resignation as an act taken in good faith and without ill will toward the party.
The mass exit of top political office holders alongside the governor is expected to significantly reshape the political landscape of Kano State, with analysts predicting far-reaching implications for party politics both within the state and at the national level.
Meanwhile, pundits believe the resignation of Governor Yusuf from the NNPP signals a major political shakeup in Kano State, as reports have it that he, along side all those joining him to resign, would be joining the APC to support the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
