By Chidinma Iroegbu
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has formally resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), a development that has effectively paved the way for his anticipated return to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Yusuf’s resignation took effect on Friday, January 23, 2026, and was communicated in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the NNPP in Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area of the state.
His exit from the party triggered a wave of defections across the state’s political structure, with the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ismail Falgore, 20 other state legislators, eight members of the National Assembly and 44 local government council chairmen aligning with him ahead of the expected move to the APC.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the governor said his decision was necessitated by prolonged internal crises within the NNPP, which he said had continued to undermine the party’s stability and effectiveness.
“I write with a deep sense of appreciation to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party of my decision to withdraw my membership of the party with effect from Friday, January 23, 2026,” Yusuf stated.
He expressed gratitude to the party for offering him the platform to contest and win the governorship election, as well as for the support he received from its leadership and members since joining the party in 2022.
“I remain sincerely grateful for the opportunity given to me by the party and for the goodwill and cooperation extended to me during my time as a member,” he said.
However, the governor said persistent leadership disputes and unresolved legal battles had weakened the party and created uncertainty at both state and national levels.
“In recent times, the party has been embroiled in internal disagreements and court cases that have eroded its cohesion and diminished confidence among members,” he noted.
Yusuf added that the divisions had led to widespread disenchantment within the party, deepening internal fault lines that now appear difficult to reconcile.
He said the decision to leave the NNPP was taken after careful reflection and in the overall interest of Kano State.
“After due consideration, I have come to the conclusion that stepping aside from the party is in the best interest of the people of Kano State,” he said, stressing that the move was made without rancour.
“This decision is taken in good faith, without ill feelings, and with a firm commitment to peace, unity and the development of our state,” he added.
The resignation letter was acknowledged by the Secretary of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, who commended the governor’s performance in office, particularly in infrastructure development, urban renewal, healthcare delivery, education and economic empowerment.
While admitting that the party was facing internal challenges, Zubairu said the NNPP respected the governor’s decision, describing Yusuf as one of its most impactful leaders.
Political watchers see the development as a major realignment in Kano politics, with Yusuf’s expected return to the APC likely to significantly reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of future elections.