NNPP condemns Gov. Yusuf’s defection, describes exit as breach of public trust
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has sharply criticised the decision of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to resign from the party, characterising his move as a violation of the confidence and mandate given to him by voters in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the party’s National Working Committee and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, the NNPP dismissed claims that Governor Yusuf left because of an unresolved internal crisis within the party.
According to the party leadership, such assertions were misleading and lacked factual basis.
Governor Yusuf formally withdrew his membership from the NNPP on Friday, a development that followed weeks of political speculation. He is widely expected to pitch his tent with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, confirmed the resignation, explaining that Yusuf communicated his decision through a letter addressed to the NNPP ward chairperson of Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area.
In the letter, the governor expressed appreciation to the party leadership and announced that his resignation took effect from January 23, 2026.
Reacting to the development, the NNPP said the news was received with profound disappointment, stressing that Yusuf’s rise to the governorship was largely driven by the influence of the Kwankwasiyya political movement and the support of the Kano electorate.
The party argued that the governor’s departure amounted to political disloyalty, noting that he benefited from years of grassroots mobilisation and collective sacrifice.
It warned that his defection could undermine the political direction chosen by voters and potentially reopen the door for political actors previously rejected at the polls.
Addressing the allegation of internal instability, the NNPP pointed to recent organisational milestones to counter the claim.
The party recalled that it successfully conducted congresses at ward, local government, state and national levels, culminating in a national convention held on December 20, 2025.
It added that the exercises were monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and attended by Governor Yusuf himself.
The party further cited its victories in supplementary legislative elections conducted in August 2025 as evidence of its cohesion and electoral strength, insisting that talk of an irredeemable crisis was unfounded.
Drawing from history, the NNPP likened the situation to the defection of a former Kano State governor, Abubakar Rimi, in the early 1980s, which it said resulted in political setbacks and electoral rejection for those involved.
The party maintained that past experience shows that voters often punish perceived acts of political betrayal.
Despite its strong criticism, the NNPP appealed to its supporters and residents of Kano State to remain calm and law-abiding.
It urged the more than one million voters who supported Governor Yusuf’s election to exercise restraint and maintain peace.
The party concluded by expressing confidence that the people of Kano State would remain committed to principled leadership and the political ideals that shaped their electoral choices.
