Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, has officially withdrawn his membership from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), ending weeks of intense political speculation over his future in the party.
The decision was made public on Friday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, who formally submitted Yusuf’s resignation letter to party officials at the Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area.
The resignation takes effect from January 23, 2026.
In the letter, Governor Yusuf explained that his exit followed prolonged internal disagreements within the party, which he said had weakened cohesion and distracted attention from governance.
He noted that leadership disputes and multiple legal battles had created uncertainty and division at both state and national levels of the NNPP.
According to the Governor, these unresolved crises had gradually eroded unity among party members and made reconciliation increasingly difficult.
He said his decision was taken after deep reflection and was motivated solely by the need to safeguard the broader interests of Kano residents.
Yusuf stressed that his departure was not driven by anger or personal grievances.
Rather, he described it as a step taken in good faith to promote peace, stability, and effective leadership in the state.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the progress of Kano and called for calm among supporters.
Despite leaving the party, the Governor expressed appreciation to the NNPP for providing him the platform to contest and win the 2023 governorship election.
He thanked party leaders and members for their support and cooperation throughout his time with the party.
Political sources indicated that Yusuf’s resignation was accompanied by the defection of key political figures, including 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight federal lawmakers, and 44 local government chairmen, suggesting a significant shift in the state’s political structure.
Confirming receipt of the resignation, the NNPP Secretary of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, acknowledged the Governor’s contributions to governance.
While admitting the existence of internal challenges within the party, he praised Yusuf’s record in infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.
Although the Governor has not publicly announced his next political move, strong indications point to a possible alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speculation intensified following his recent closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
Observers believed Yusuf’s departure marks a turning point in Kano politics.
The NNPP, which recorded major electoral success in the state during the 2023 elections under the influence of its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, now faces a major test of unity and relevance.
Analysts said the development could significantly reshape political loyalties ahead of the 2027 general elections, with potential national implications if the Governor’s supporters migrate en masse to another political platform.
