Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has formally resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), citing prolonged internal crises and legal battles that he said have weakened the party’s unity at both state and national levels.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Yusuf conveyed his decision in a resignation 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.
Yusuf expressed appreciation to the NNPP for offering him a political platform since 2022, noting that the party’s support contributed significantly to his emergence as governor and his administration’s achievements.
“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,” he stated.
Explaining his decision, the governor pointed to persistent leadership disputes and ongoing court cases that have continued to destabilise the party.
“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,” Yusuf said.
He added that the situation had led to deep divisions among party members, weakening the party’s structure and cohesion.
“The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable,” he noted.
Yusuf said his resignation followed careful consideration and was guided by the overall interest of the people 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 said, stressing that the decision was taken “in good faith, without any ill will.”
The governor’s exit was accompanied by the resignation of 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen in the state.
The resignation letter was acknowledged by the NNPP Secretary of Diso–Chiranchi Ward, Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, who commended 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 produced by the NNPP,” Zubairu said.
He praised the governor’s achievements in infrastructure development, urban renewal, health, education and economic empowerment, as Kano’s political landscape witnesses fresh realignments ahead of future political contests.