Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has formally resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), blaming deepening internal crises, leadership disputes, and unresolved legal battles rocking the party.
The governor’s decision was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. According to the statement, Yusuf submitted his resignation 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, who is believed to be healing to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed appreciation to the NNPP for providing him with a political platform and for the support he received from party leaders and members across Kano State.
“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, as well as the support, goodwill, and cooperation extended to me during my time in the party,” he stated.
However, the governor said persistent leadership disagreements and prolonged court cases have continued to destabilize 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,” he noted.
He added that the internal crisis has caused disenfranchisement among party members, deepening divisions and weakening cohesion.
“The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable and have generated uncertainty at both state and national levels,” Yusuf said.
The governor explained that his decision followed careful reflection and was guided by the overall interest 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,” he added.
Yusuf stressed that the move was taken in good faith, without bitterness, and reaffirmed his commitment to peace, unity, and the development of the state.
The statement further revealed that the governor’s resignation was accompanied by a mass exit from the party, including 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and 44 local government chairmen across the state.
Confirming receipt of the resignation letter, the NNPP Secretary of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, acknowledged the party’s internal crisis and praised Yusuf’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 of the NNPP,” Zubairu said.
He commended the governor for what he described as significant achievements in infrastructure, urban renewal, health, education, and economic empowerment.
