- 21 House of Assembly members, others also exit
- Cite internal crises, leadership disputes
- Former party’s flag removed from Govt House
After weeks of speculations, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf yesterday formally terminated his membership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP),in “the best interest of the people” of the state.
He pulled out of the party with eight members of the House of Representatives , 21 members of the State House of Assembly and 44 Local Government Chairmen of Kano State.
Their destination is the All Progressives Congress (APC) which, in the last one year, has also drawn into its fold seven other governors -Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State), Peter Mbah (Enugu State), Douye Diri (Bayelsa State), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State),Agbo Kefas (Taraba) and Caleb Muftwang (Plateau)- national and state legislators and other high profile politicians.
Yusuf and his allies are expected to declare for the APC in due course.
The governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature, broke the news of his and others’ resignation from the NNPP to reporters in a statement in Kano.
He said the governor communicated his resignation in a January 23,2026 letter to the NNPP chairman in Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area.
“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, with effect from Friday, 23rd,January 2026″,Bature quoted his principal as saying in the letter.
The governor expressed appreciation to the party for the platform given him to contest the 2023 election and its support all through his political engagement with the NNPP.
His words: “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, as well as the support, goodwill, and cooperation extended to me during my time in the party.”
“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.
“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.”
Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, the party’s secretary of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, acknowledged receipt of the governor’s resignation and praised him for his efforts in improving the health, education and economic sectors of the state.
The NNPP scribe admitted the party’s ongoing crisis, saying “we have no option but to accept the departure of our most performing governor.”
Sequel to the governor’s resignation, the flags of the NNPP which had adorned the Kano Government House were removed yesterday.
The resignation is expected to trigger a major shake-up that could reshape Kano’s political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.
It comes after the party gave him the green light to do so a few days ago.
NNPP factional chairman in the state, Senator Mas’ud Eljibril, had asked the governor to formally notify the “legally recognised” NNPP in writing before he joins the APC.
“If the governor decides to leave the NNPP, it’s his choice but he has to do that according to the rules and regulations to the party. Ignoring this requirement will have future legal consequences,” Eljibril had said.
However, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam, the Senator representing Kano Central District, Rufa’i Hanga, and Representatives Mukhtar Yarima (Tarauni), Abdulkarim Ado (Wudil/Garko), Sani Wakili (Minjibir/Ungogo), Tijjani Abdulkadir (Tofa/Dawakin Tofa) —have chosen to remain in the NNPP.
Yusuf was for many years a close ally of NNPP national leader Dr.Rabiu Kwankwaso, whom he served as personal assistant and commissioner before being elected as governor in 2023.
KPRA backs Yusuf’s resignation from NNPP
Reacting to the development yesterday, the Kano People’s Rights Alliance (KPRA), described the governor’s action as courageous and people-centred.
The coordinator of KPRA , Isyaku Lawal Tofa, said the gravity of the situation within the NNPP had created irreconcilable divisions that “threaten the party’s future.”
He said: “as the Governor stated, his decision to resign was made after careful reflection and is rooted in the best interests of the people of Kano State.
“It is a decision taken not out of bitterness, but from a place of good faith, with a steadfast commitment to fostering peace and unity within the state.”
He said the fact the governor left the NNPP with so many national and state legislators as well as LG chairmen reflected a shared resolve to prioritise public service and effective governance over party allegiance in the face of internal party turmoil.
The alliance asked political stakeholders in Kano State to engage in constructive dialogue and focus on resolving issues that hinder good governance, rather than deepening partisan divisions.
He said:“It is essential that the focus remains on the needs and aspirations of the people, rather than on partisan conflicts that serve only to undermine the collective progress of the state. We commend Governor Yusuf for his visionary leadership and his unwavering commitment to the development of Kano State.
“His achievements in infrastructure, urban renewal, health, education, and economic empowerment are testaments to his dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.
“The KPRA stands ready to support the Governor in his future endeavors, as he seeks to navigate this new chapter in his political journey. As we move forward, it is crucial for all political actors to prioritize unity and collaboration in the quest for sustainable development and social cohesion in Kano State.”
