Kano Governor Abba Yusuf resigns from NNPP amid internal party crisis

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has formally resigned his membership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), citing deepening internal crises and persistent leadership disputes within the party.

The governor’s decision was announced in a statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. Although the statement did not disclose Yusuf’s next political destination, it is widely believed that he is set to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Yusuf had earlier in the week visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, a move political observers interpret as part of efforts to secure presidential backing ahead of his anticipated defection and re-election bid.

According to the statement, Yusuf conveyed his resignation in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the NNPP in Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State, with effect from January 25, 2026.

“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 said in the letter.

Yusuf expressed appreciation to the NNPP for providing him with a political platform and for the support he received from the party’s leadership and members across Kano State since joining in 2022.

“I remain sincerely appreciative of the opportunity given to me by the party, its leadership, and members across Kano State to be part of its political journey since 2022, as well as the support, goodwill, and cooperation extended to me during my time in the party,” he stated.

However, the governor attributed his decision to unresolved internal disputes and prolonged legal battles that have continued to destabilise the party 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,” Yusuf noted.

He added that the situation had led to growing disenfranchisement among party members, deepening divisions and weakening internal 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,” he said.

Yusuf explained that his resignation followed careful reflection and 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 added.

He stressed that the decision was taken in good faith and without bitterness, reaffirming his commitment to peace, unity and the development of Kano State.

Meanwhile, the statement disclosed that the governor’s resignation was accompanied by the exit 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.

The NNPP Secretary of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, who acknowledged receipt of Yusuf’s resignation letter, commended the governor’s performance in office.

“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 Yusuf for what he described as notable achievements in infrastructure, urban renewal, health, education and economic empowerment across Kano State.