BREAKING: Kano Governor Abba Yusuf exits NNPP amid deepening political realignment

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has officially withdrawn his membership from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), attributing his decision to prolonged internal conflicts and unresolved legal battles that he said have eroded the party’s unity across the country.

The development was made public on Friday through a statement released by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, confirming that the resignation followed extensive consultations and reflection.

According to the statement, Governor Yusuf formally communicated his decision through a resignation letter addressed to the Chairman of the NNPP in Diso–Chiranchi Ward, located in Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State. The resignation takes effect from January 25, 2026.

In the letter, the governor expressed deep appreciation to the NNPP leadership and members while formally announcing his departure from the party.

“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 letter stated.

Governor Yusuf acknowledged the role the NNPP played in his political journey, particularly since 2022, noting that the party provided the platform that enabled his emergence and service as governor.

“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 noted.

However, the governor explained that his decision was influenced by persistent leadership crises, factional disputes, and multiple court cases that have continued to destabilize the party at both the state and national levels.

He pointed out that many of the disagreements remain unresolved and are currently subject to judicial proceedings, further weakening internal cohesion.

“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 stated.

According to him, these unresolved issues have resulted in widespread dissatisfaction among party members and significantly weakened the party’s organizational structure.

“The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable,” the letter added.

Governor Yusuf emphasized that his resignation was reached after careful consideration and was guided solely by the collective interest of Kano State residents, rather than personal or political grievances.

“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 from the NNPP was not an isolated development. It was accompanied by the resignation of 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, as well as all 44 local government chairmen across the state, further underscoring the scale of the political shift.

The resignation letter was formally acknowledged by the Secretary of the NNPP Diso–Chiranchi Ward, Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, who commended Governor Yusuf’s performance while accepting the decision.

“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 Governor Yusuf’s achievements in key sectors such as infrastructure development, urban renewal, healthcare delivery, education, and economic empowerment, as Kano’s political environment continues to experience notable realignments ahead of future political contests.