Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has formally withdrawn his membership from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), a move that signals a major political realignment in the state and deepens uncertainty within the opposition party.
The governor's resignation, which takes effect from January 25, 2026, was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the NNPP in Diso-Chiranchi Ward of Gwale Local Government Area. His exit is believed to be part of a wider defection involving a large number of elected officials in Kano State.
The development was confirmed on Friday through a statement issued by the governor's spokesperson, Sunusi Batere Dwakin Tofa, who said the decision was taken after prolonged internal turmoil that has been undermining the stability of the party.
In his resignation letter, Governor Yusuf commended the NNPP for providing him the platform that led to his rise to governorship, as well as the support he has received from party leaders and members since he joined the party in 2022.
“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally inform the leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) of my decision to resign from membership of the party,” the governor said.
He said that while his time in the NNPP was marked by goodwill and cooperation, the party has increasingly become embroiled in leadership disputes and legal battles that have weakened its organizational structure at both the state and national levels.
According to Yusuf, these unresolved conflicts have resulted in mass disenfranchisement of party members, deepening internal divisions and diminished confidence in the party's ability to act unitedly.
He said, “In recent times, the party has faced persistent internal challenges arising from leadership disagreements and ongoing legal processes, many of which are currently before the courts for judicial determination.”
The Governor said this situation has created fissures within the party which now seem difficult to mend, creating uncertainty and instability at all levels.
Yusuf stressed that his decision was taken after careful deliberation and was guided solely by the interest of Kano State and its people.
He said that the resignation has been given in good faith and without any enmity.
He said, “After careful consideration, and without prejudice to the ability of the party to resolve its internal challenges, I have come to the conclusion that my resignation is in the best interests of the people of Kano State.”
This development marks a turning point in the political landscape of Kano and is expected to trigger more realignment in the coming days.
