Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), marking a major political shift in the state. The governor’s exit was announced alongside the resignation of 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen in the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa. According to the statement, Governor Yusuf formally communicated his decision in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the NNPP in Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area.
The letter stated that his resignation from the party took effect from Friday, January 23, 2026.
In the letter, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to the NNPP for giving him the platform to pursue his political ambition and emerge as governor in the 2023 general election. He noted that the party had played a key role in his political journey since he joined in 2022.
“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.
He thanked the party’s leadership and members across Kano State for their support, loyalty, and cooperation during his campaign and time in office.
However, the governor explained that his decision to leave the NNPP was influenced by what he described as persistent internal crises within the party. According to him, leadership disagreements and prolonged legal battles have weakened the party’s unity and stability.
Governor Yusuf noted that many of the disputes are currently before the courts, creating uncertainty within the party at both the 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 situation had led to growing dissatisfaction among party members and deep divisions within the party structure.
“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 added.
Governor Yusuf said his decision was not taken lightly but followed careful reflection and wide consultation. He stressed that his action was guided by what he described as the best interest of the people 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,” he said.
He highlighted that his resignation was done in good faith and without bitterness. The governor also pledged to remain committed to peace, unity, and the continued development of Kano State.
According to the statement, the governor’s resignation was announced together with that of 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, showing a major realignment within the state’s political structure. In addition, eight members of the House of Representatives from Kano State and all 44 local government chairmen also resigned from the NNPP.
The NNPP rose to prominence in Kano largely due to the influence of former governor and party leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The party recorded its biggest electoral success in the state, winning the governorship, majority of legislative seats, and local government councils.
However, the party has since been plagued by internal disputes, especially at the national level, with rival factions laying claim to leadership positions. These disagreements have often played out in court, weakening party cohesion and creating uncertainty for elected officials.
The Secretary of the NNPP in Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Kabiru Zubairu, confirmed receipt of Governor Yusuf’s resignation letter. He commended the governor for what he described as his strong performance in office.
Zubairu praised the governor’s efforts in infrastructure development, urban renewal, health, education, and economic empowerment across the state.
“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 a one and most performing Governor of the NNPP,” Zubairu said.
The governor’s decision has continued to generate reactions within Kano and beyond, with many residents expressing surprise at the scale of the defections. Analysts say the move could significantly alter the political landscape of the state ahead of future elections.
The resignation is also coming just days after Governor Yusuf paid a closed-door visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting had earlier sparked speculation about the governor’s political future and possible realignment at the national level.
Although details of the meeting were not made public, the timing of the visit and the subsequent resignation from the NNPP have intensified discussions about the governor’s next political move.
So far, Governor Yusuf has not officially announced which party he plans to join. However, political watchers believe his next step will have far-reaching implications for Kano politics and party strength in the state.
Kano State is one of Nigeria’s most politically influential states due to its large population and voting strength. Any major political shift in the state is often closely watched at the national level.
As events continue to unfold, attention is now focused on how the NNPP will respond to the mass resignation and how Governor Yusuf’s next political decision will shape governance and politics in Kano State.
For now, the governor has assured residents that governance will not be affected and that his administration remains focused on delivering development and improving the welfare of the people.