Isaac Samuel
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has resigned his membership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), in a major political development that also saw 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and 44 local government chairmen exit the party.
The governor’s resignation, which takes effect from Sunday, January 25, 2026, was formally communicated in a letter addressed to the chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, NNPP, in Gwale Local Government Area.
In the letter, Yusuf expressed appreciation to the NNPP for the opportunity to serve on its platform since 2022, but said his decision to leave was driven by deepening internal crises that have weakened the party’s cohesion and effectiveness.
The letter reads: “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, with effect from Sunday, 25 January 2026.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“This decision is taken in good faith, without any ill will, and with a continued commitment to peace, unity, and the progress of Kano State.”
The governor’s resignation came few days after he met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Aso Villa on Monday.
Yusuf was elected governor in 2023 on the NNPP platform and later secured his mandate after prolonged legal battles that culminated in a Supreme Court ruling affirming his victory.
His emergence had been closely linked to the political influence of NNPP national leader and former Kano governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
However, tensions between the governor and key factions within the party have intensified in recent months, amid disagreements over party leadership, control of structures and strategic direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
The coordinated exit of federal and state lawmakers, as well as local government chairmen, suggests a political realignment in Kano, with analysts predicting further defections in the coming days.
Although the governor did not disclose his next political destination, the development has fueled speculation of an imminent move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), especially amid ongoing efforts by the ruling party to consolidate its influence in the North-West.
