Several elected officials in Kano State have withdrawn from the New Nigeria People’s Party following the formal resignation of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who cited prolonged internal crises and the need to safeguard the broader interests of the state’s residents.
The development was confirmed in a statement released on Friday by the Director of Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Governor Yusuf communicated his resignation in a letter addressed to the chairman of NNPP in Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area, with effect from January 23, 2026.
The move subsequently triggered the exit of several political office holders aligned with the governor.
In the letter, the governor expressed gratitude to the NNPP for providing him with a political platform and support since he joined the party in 2022, acknowledging the cooperation and goodwill he enjoyed during his time in the party.
However, the statement noted that both the governor and other defecting officials were compelled to leave the NNPP due to persistent leadership crises, internal disagreements and unresolved legal disputes that have continued to destabilise the party at both state and national levels.
It was observed that the prolonged disputes had further widened divisions within the party, eroded internal unity and created growing uncertainty among members, making reconciliation increasingly difficult.
Governor Yusuf explained that the decision to exit the party was reached after extensive consultations and careful consideration, with priority given to public interest.
“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 stated.
He stressed that the decision was taken without animosity, adding that his commitment to peace, unity and the sustained development of Kano State remains unwavering.
The statement described the development as a major political shift, revealing that the governor was joined in his resignation by 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and all 44 local government chairmen across the state.
The NNPP Secretary of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, acknowledged receipt of the resignation letter and praised the governor’s record in infrastructure, urban renewal, healthcare, education and economic empowerment.
Zubairu admitted that the party had been grappling with internal crises but said it had no option than to accept the resignation of what he referred to as its most performing governor.
