Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), alongside 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and 44 local government chairmen across the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa.
According to the statement, Yusuf formally communicated his resignation in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the NNPP Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area, with effect from Friday, January 23, 2026.
“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party of my decision to resign my membership of the party, with effect from Friday, 23rd January 2026,” the governor said.
Yusuf expressed appreciation to the NNPP for providing him a political platform since 2022 and for the support he received from party leaders and members across Kano State.
However, he cited prolonged leadership disputes and ongoing legal battles within the party as key reasons for his decision, noting that the crises had weakened internal cohesion and deepened divisions.
“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.
“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 governor said his decision followed careful reflection and was guided by the overall interest of Kano State.
“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,” Yusuf stated.
He added that the move was taken in good faith and without bitterness, pledging continued commitment to peace, unity, and the development of the state.
The statement further confirmed that Yusuf’s resignation was announced alongside those of 21 state lawmakers, eight federal lawmakers, and 44 local government chairmen in Kano State.
Acknowledging receipt of the governor’s letter, NNPP Diso-Chiranchi Ward Secretary, Kabiru Zubairu, commended Yusuf’s performance in infrastructure, urban renewal, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.
“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 but to accept the resignation of one of the most performing governors elected on the platform of the NNPP,” Zubairu said.
Yusuf’s exit from the NNPP comes just days after he held a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, a development that had fuelled speculation over his next political move.
