Political Realignment: Why I resigned From NNPP —Kano Governor, Yusuf reveals

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has formally resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), citing protracted internal crises and legal disputes that he said have weakened the party’s cohesion nationwide.

The resignation was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the statement, Yusuf communicated his decision in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the NNPP in Diso–Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area, 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 party for providing him with a political platform since 2022, noting that the support he received contributed to his emergence and governance.

“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,” he said.

The governor attributed his decision to persistent leadership disputes and court cases 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 stated.

He added that the internal rifts had created deep divisions among members and weakened the party’s structure.

“The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable,” he said.

Yusuf said his resignation followed careful consideration and was guided strictly by the public interest of Kano residents.

“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 said, stressing that the move was taken “in good faith, without any ill will.”

The governor’s exit was accompanied by the resignation of 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen in the state.

The resignation letter was acknowledged by the NNPP Secretary of Diso–Chiranchi Ward, Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, who 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 produced by the NNPP,” Zubairu said.

He praised Yusuf’s record in infrastructure development, urban renewal, health, education and economic empowerment, as Kano’s political landscape continues to witness significant realignments ahead of future contests.