Just in: Kano Governor Abba Yusuf dumps NNPP over lingering crises

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has formally resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), citing prolonged internal crises, leadership disputes and unresolved legal battles that he said have severely weakened the party’s cohesion at both state and national levels.

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

According to the statement, Yusuf conveyed his resignation in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the NNPP in Diso–Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State, with effect from January 25, 2026.

In the letter, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to the party for offering him a political platform since 2022, which he said played a significant role in his emergence and tenure in office.

“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 stated.

He acknowledged the support of the party’s leadership and members across Kano State, noting that their backing contributed meaningfully to his political journey 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,” Yusuf said.

However, the governor explained that persistent internal challenges had made it increasingly difficult for the party to function effectively. He pointed to leadership disagreements and multiple court cases, many of which are still pending, as key factors undermining unity within the NNPP.

“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,” he noted.

Yusuf added that the unresolved crises had led to widespread disenfranchisement among members and deepened internal divisions within 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.

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The governor stressed that his decision followed careful reflection and was guided solely by the public interest of the people of Kano State.

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

The governor’s exit triggered a wave of resignations across the state, including 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen in Kano State.

The resignation letter was acknowledged by the NNPP Secretary of Diso–Chiranchi Ward, Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, who commended Yusuf’s performance in office and agreed with his assessment of the party’s internal challenges.

“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 the governor’s achievements in infrastructure development, urban renewal, health care, education and economic empowerment, as Kano’s political landscape continues to experience major realignments ahead of future electoral contests.