Kano gov dumps NNPP with lawmakers, LG chairmen

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party, alongside 21 members of the State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and 44 local government chairmen in the state.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa.

Yusuf, in a letter addressed to the Chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward of the NNPP in Gwale Local Government Area, formally communicated his decision to leave the party with effect from Friday, January 23, 2026, the statement said.

“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party of my decision to resign my membership of the party, with effect from Friday, 23rd January 2026,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to the party for providing him the platform to pursue his political career since 2022 and for the support he received from its leadership and members across Kano State.

However, Yusuf said the party had in recent times been unsettled by leadership disagreements and legal battles, many of which are currently before the courts.

According to him, the disputes have weakened cohesion within the party and widened divisions among members.

“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.

“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,” he added.

Yusuf noted that his decision followed careful reflection and was guided by what he described as the broader interest of Kano State.

The governor said, “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 stressed that the decision was taken in good faith and without bitterness, pledging continued commitment to peace, unity and the progress of the state.

According to the statement, the governor’s resignation was announced alongside that of 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and 44 local government chairmen in the state.

The NNPP Diso-Chiranchi Ward Secretary, Kabiru Zubairu, who acknowledged receipt of the governor’s letter, commended Yusuf for what he described as his performance in infrastructure, urban renewal, health, education and economic empowerment.

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Zubairu was quoted as saying, “I wish to concur with His Excellency on the lingering crisis in our party, though we are trying our best to contain it, but we have no option than to accept the resignation of a one and most performing Governor of the NNPP.”

The governor’s political move comes just days after he held a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja — a visit that had earlier fuelled speculation about his future political direction.