By Muhammad Garba
Kano, January 23, 2026
Kano State witnessed a major political shake-up on Friday as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf formally resigned his membership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), citing deepening internal crises and a compelling need to protect the broader interests of the people of Kano State.
The development, which signals a significant realignment in the state’s political landscape, was disclosed in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, and made available to journalists on Friday.
According to the statement, the Governor conveyed his decision in a letter addressed to the Chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, NNPP, in Gwale Local Government Area, formally withdrawing his membership with effect from January 23, 2026.
In the letter, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to the party for the platform and support it provided throughout his political engagement since 2022, noting that his association with the NNPP had been marked by goodwill and cooperation from party leaders and members across the state.
However, the Governor pointed to persistent internal disputes, leadership disagreements, and ongoing legal battles within the party, many of which are currently before the courts, as factors that have weakened the party’s cohesion at both state and national levels.
He observed that the protracted crises had led to growing disenfranchisement among members, creating divisions he described as increasingly irreconcilable and a source of uncertainty within the party’s structure.
After what he described as careful reflection, Governor Yusuf said his decision to resign was guided strictly by public interest considerations and taken in good faith, without bitterness or ill will. He reaffirmed his commitment to peace, unity, and the continued progress of Kano State.
In a move that underscores the scale of the political shift, 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 resignation letter was acknowledged by the Secretary of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, who commended Governor Yusuf for what he described as laudable achievements in infrastructure development, urban renewal, healthcare delivery, education, and economic empowerment.
While admitting that the party was grappling with lingering internal crises, the ward secretary said the NNPP had no option but to accept the resignation of what he called “one of the most performing governors” produced by the party.
Friday’s development is widely seen by political observers as a turning point in Kano’s politics, with far-reaching implications for party alignments and governance in the state as the political terrain continues to evolve.
