Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has officially resigned his membership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), attributing his decision to persistent internal crises, leadership disagreements, and unresolved legal battles rocking the party.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who disclosed that Yusuf communicated his resignation through a formal letter addressed to the NNPP Chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area. The resignation takes effect from January 25, 2026.
In the letter, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to the NNPP for giving him the opportunity to serve and for the support he enjoyed from party leaders and members across Kano State.
> “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 role the party played in his political journey since 2022, noting that he remained appreciative of the goodwill, cooperation and backing extended to him during his time in the party.
However, Yusuf said his decision was informed by the party’s lingering internal conflicts, which he described as deeply rooted and increasingly destabilising at both the state and national levels. According to him, prolonged leadership tussles and multiple court cases have weakened the party’s structure and unity
> “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 said.
The governor added that these disputes have resulted in widespread disenfranchisement among party members, widening internal divisions and creating uncertainty about the party’s future.
“The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable,” Yusuf noted.
He explained that after careful reflection, he concluded that stepping away from the NNPP was in the best interest of the people of Kano State, stressing that the decision was taken without bitterness or ill will.
“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 said.
Yusuf reaffirmed his commitment to peace, unity and the continued development of the state, assuring residents that his focus remains on good governance and service delivery.
The statement further revealed that the governor’s exit from the NNPP was followed by a mass defection, 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 challenges and commended Governor 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 praised Yusuf for his achievements in areas such as infrastructure development, urban renewal, healthcare delivery, education and economic empowerment, describing his tenure as impactful and people-oriented.
