Abba Kabir Yusuf, governor of Kano State, has resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), blaming prolonged internal crises and legal battles.
The decision was announced on Friday in a statement by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson to the governor.
The statement said Yusuf conveyed his resignation in a letter to the chairman of the NNPP in Diso–Chiranchi Ward, Gwale local government area, with effect from January 25, 2026.
“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,” the letter reads.
“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.”
The governor attributed his exit to unresolved leadership tussles and court cases that have continued to unsettle the party at both state and national levels.
According to him, “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.”
Yusuf said the disputes had fractured the party’s structure and alienated members across different blocs.
He stated, “The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable.”
The governor said his decision followed careful reflection and was guided solely by the broader interest of Kano residents.
“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,” Yusuf said, adding that the step was taken “in good faith, without any ill will.”
His resignation was accompanied by the exit of 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen in the state.
The letter was acknowledged by Kabiru Zubairu, NNPP secretary of Diso–Chiranchi Ward, who said the party had no choice but to accept the decision.
Zubairu said, “I wish to concur with His Excellency on the lingering crisis in our party. Though we are trying our best to contain it, we have no option than to accept the resignation of one of the most performing governors produced by the NNPP.”
He praised Yusuf’s achievements in infrastructure, urban renewal, health, education and economic empowerment, as Kano’s political terrain witnesses fresh realignments ahead of future political contests.