The National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alongside the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), has condemned Governor Abba Yusuf’s resignation from the NNPP, describing it as a “cold betrayal of a sacred trust.” Meanwhile, the Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has signalled confidence that the governor will soon formally join the ruling party.
Speaking to supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano, Kwankwaso announced January 23 as “World Betrayal Day,” saying the idea was inspired by reactions on social media following Yusuf’s exit from the NNPP.
“None caught my attention more than a post suggesting that January 23 should be declared World Betrayal Day,” Kwankwaso said. “As the leader and grand patron of this movement, I fully support that declaration.”
He added that the day would henceforth be marked with special activities to remind party members of what transpired.
In a separate statement signed by the NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, the party dismissed Governor Yusuf’s claim that an irredeemable crisis forced his resignation, describing it as unfounded and an afterthought.
Governor Yusuf’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, had announced the resignation on Friday. Reacting, the NNPP said it received the news with deep anguish and disappointment.
“We deeply regret that Governor Abba, a man entrusted by the people of Kano State on the strength of decades of loyalty and service to the Kwankwasiyya Movement, has chosen to betray that sacred trust,” the statement read. “By this action, he risks returning the state to forces that have long opposed its progress and the aspirations of its people.”
The party noted that it recently conducted congresses from ward to national level, culminating in a convention on December 20, 2025, which Governor Yusuf attended under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It also recalled its victories in two supplementary elections held in August 2025, arguing that claims of an internal crisis lacked merit.
The NNPP further drew parallels with past political defections in Kano, recalling how former governor Abubakar Rimi left the PRP for the NPP in the early 1980s with the majority of elected officials, only to suffer a crushing defeat in the 1983 election.
“History has shown that those who trade loyalty for expediency rarely escape the judgment of the people,” the party said, urging Kano residents and NNPP supporters to remain calm and restrained despite the development.
Kano APC Reserves Membership Card No.001 for Yusuf
On its part, the Kano State APC has expressed optimism that Governor Yusuf will soon officially join the party. The APC State Secretary, Ibrahim Zakari Sarina, said the governor was welcome, noting that the party’s doors remained open to him and his supporters.
“Even though he has not formally declared for the APC, we are hopeful that he will do so soon,” Sarina said, adding that the development would strengthen the party, especially as the governor was reportedly moving with a large number of elected officials and appointees.
He revealed that the APC had already taken steps in anticipation of Yusuf’s defection by reserving a special electronic registration number for him.
“We have commenced e-registration and reserved membership card number 001 for the governor at his Chiranci-Diso ward,” Sarina confirmed.
As political realignments continue to unfold in Kano, reactions from both parties suggest that Governor Yusuf’s next move could significantly reshape the state’s political landscape.
