KANO: Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), along with 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and 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, Yusuf formally communicated his decision in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the NNPP Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area, with the resignation taking effect from Friday, January 23, 2026.
In the letter, the governor expressed gratitude to the party for providing him a platform to pursue his political career since 2022 and for the support he received from its leadership and members across Kano State.
However, Yusuf said the party had recently been plagued by leadership disputes and legal battles, many of which are currently before the courts. He noted that the situation had weakened internal cohesion and deepened divisions within the party.
In recent times, the party has been confronted with persistent internal challenges arising from leadership disagreements and ongoing legal processes, he said, adding that the growing disenfranchisement among members had created divisions that appeared increasingly irreconcilable at both state and national levels.
The governor said his decision followed careful reflection and was guided by what he described as the best interest of the people of Kano State.
He stressed that the move was made in good faith and without bitterness, pledging continued commitment to peace, unity and development in the state.
The statement added that Yusuf’s resignation was announced alongside those of 21 state lawmakers, eight federal lawmakers and 44 local government chairmen.
The NNPP Diso-Chiranchi Ward Secretary, Kabiru Zubairu, confirmed receipt of the governor’s resignation letter and praised Yusuf’s performance in areas such as infrastructure, urban renewal, health, education and economic empowerment.
Zubairu acknowledged the lingering crisis within the party, noting that while efforts were ongoing to resolve it, the party had no option but to accept the governor’s resignation.
Yusuf’s defection comes days after he held a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, a visit that had earlier sparked speculation about his political future.
