IN a major political shake-up that could reshape Kano State’s political landscape forever, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), alongside a large bloc of elected officials across the state.
News Point Nigeria reports that the governor’s resignation was announced in a formal letter addressed to the Chairman of the NNPP, Diso-Chiranchi Ward, in Gwale Local Government Area, with the decision taking effect from January 25, 2026.
The development was confirmed on Friday in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who said the move followed prolonged internal crises within the party.
According to the statement, Governor Yusuf expressed deep gratitude to the NNPP for providing him with a political platform and for the support he received from party leaders and members during his time in 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 in the letter.
Yusuf noted that he remained appreciative of the opportunity given to him by the party to be part of its political journey since 2022, as well as the goodwill and cooperation extended to him during his tenure.
However, the governor attributed his resignation to persistent leadership disputes and prolonged legal battles that have continued to unsettle the party’s structure at both state and national levels.
“In recent times, the party has been confronted with persistent internal challenges arising from leadership disagreements and ongoing legal processes, many of which are presently before the courts for judicial determination,” he said.
He added that the unresolved disputes had resulted in widespread disenfranchisement of members, widening internal divisions and weakening the party’s cohesion.
“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,” Yusuf explained.
The governor said his decision followed careful reflection and was guided by what he considered the best interest of the people of Kano State, stressing that the move was taken in good faith and without bitterness.
“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 added.
Yusuf reaffirmed his commitment to peace, unity and the continued development of Kano State, assuring residents that governance would remain his top priority.
Significantly, the governor did not leave the party alone. His resignation was accompanied by that of 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and 44 local government chairmen across the state—representing one of the largest mass defections in recent political history in Kano.
The Secretary of the NNPP in Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, who acknowledged receipt of the governor’s resignation letter, confirmed the development and expressed regret over Yusuf’s exit.
“I wish to concur with His Excellency on the lingering crisis in our party. Though we are trying our best to contain it, we have no option than to accept the resignation of one of the most performing governors of the NNPP,” Zubairu said.
He praised Governor Yusuf for what he described as significant achievements in infrastructure development, urban renewal, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment, adding that the party would feel the impact of his departure.