Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has formally resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), ending weeks of speculations.
Yusuf’s resignation took effect on Friday, January 23, 2026, and was conveyed in a letter addressed to the chairman of the NNPP in Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State.
His exit from the party immediately triggered a wave of defections across Kano’s political structure.
Governor Yusuf is said to be leaving the NNPP alongside 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly including the speaker, Ismail Falgore, eight members of the House of Representatives, and 44 Local Government chairmen across the state.
Among those aligning with him are the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Ismail Falgore, 20 other state legislators, eight members of the National Assembly and 44 local government council chairmen, all ahead of the governor’s anticipated move to the APC.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the governor said his decision was driven by prolonged internal crises within the NNPP, which he said had continued to undermine the party’s stability and effectiveness.
“I write with a deep sense of appreciation to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party of my decision to withdraw my membership of the party with effect from Friday, January 23, 2026,” Yusuf said.
He expressed gratitude to the NNPP for providing him with the platform to contest and win the governorship election, as well as for the support he received from the party’s leadership and members since joining in 2022.
“I remain sincerely grateful for the opportunity given to me by the party and for the goodwill and cooperation extended to me during my time as a member,” he said.
However, Yusuf said persistent leadership disputes and unresolved legal battles had weakened the party and created uncertainty at both state and national levels. “In recent times, the party has been embroiled in internal disagreements and court cases that have eroded its cohesion and diminished confidence among members,” he noted.
According to him, the divisions have deepened internal fault lines and led to widespread disenchantment within the party, making reconciliation increasingly difficult.
He said the decision to leave the NNPP was taken after careful reflection and in the overall interest of Kano State. “After due consideration, I have come to the conclusion that stepping aside from the party is in the best interest of the people of Kano State,” he said, stressing that the move was made without rancour.
“This decision is taken in good faith, without ill feelings, and with a firm commitment to peace, unity and the development of our state,” he added.
The resignation letter was acknowledged by the Secretary of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, who commended the governor’s performance in office, particularly in infrastructure development, urban renewal, healthcare delivery, education and economic empowerment.
While admitting that the NNPP was grappling with internal challenges, Zubairu said the party respected Yusuf’s decision, describing him as one of its most impactful leaders.
