THE political landscape in Kano State has been thrown into fresh turmoil following a wave of high-profile resignations from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, including the resignation of Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, son of former governor and NNPP leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
News Point Nigeria reports that Mustapha Kwankwaso, who served as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, announced his resignation on Monday, stepping down both from his cabinet position and his membership of the Kano State Executive Council.
In a resignation statement, Mustapha said the decision was taken with a “heavy heart,” while expressing gratitude to Governor Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the people of Kano State.
He called for sustained support for youth development across the state, noting that his time in office offered him valuable lessons and experiences.
“I remain grateful for the confidence reposed in me and pray that the youth of Kano State will continue to receive the attention, investment and support they deserve,” he said.
His resignation comes amid far-reaching political realignments in the state, following Governor Yusuf’s decision to resign from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) ahead of his planned return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a letter dated January 23, 2026, and addressed to the chairman of his Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area, Yusuf formally announced his exit from the NNPP, citing persistent internal crises and legal battles that, according to him, had weakened the party’s unity.
“The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable,” the governor wrote.
The political shake-up has since triggered a cascade of resignations from officials widely regarded as loyal to the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Among them is Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umaru (rtd), who resigned as Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services. In his resignation letter dated January 26, Umaru said recent political developments made it necessary for him to step aside in the interest of the state and the administration.
Umaru, who was first appointed Director General of the Special Services Directorate in June 2023 before becoming commissioner, said his service was guided by the principles of the Kwankwasiyya movement, which emphasise justice, discipline and service to the people.
Also resigning is Nasiru Sule Garo, Commissioner for Special Duties. In his letter to the governor, Garo described serving Kano State as an honour and pledged to ensure a smooth handover process.
“I appreciate the opportunity to have contributed to the development of our state and to work alongside dedicated colleagues,” he said.
The political exodus further extended to the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, where the Director General, Alhaji Laminu Rabiu, resigned his appointment with immediate effect.
In a letter dated January 25, Rabiu said evolving political circumstances and his loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya movement informed his decision to step aside.
“As a devoted member of the Kwankwasiyya movement, I remain unwaveringly loyal to our leader and committed to the principles that guide our political direction,” he stated.
Rabiu thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve and said stepping aside would allow him to fully support what he described as the strategic direction required in the current political climate.