By John Umeh
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has formally resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), clearing the way for his anticipated defection 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 NNPP chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State.
His departure from the NNPP has sparked a wave of political realignments across the state. The Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Ismail Falgore, alongside 20 other state lawmakers, eight members of the National Assembly and all 44 local government council chairmen are reported to be aligning with the governor ahead of his expected move to the APC.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the governor said his decision was prompted by prolonged internal crises within the NNPP, which he said had weakened the party’s cohesion 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 said in his resignation letter.
He expressed gratitude to the party for giving him the platform to contest and win the governorship election, as well as for the support he received from party leaders and members since joining 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 added.
However, the governor noted that persistent leadership disputes and unresolved legal battles had continued to destabilise the party at both state and national levels. According to him, the internal divisions had eroded confidence among members and made reconciliation increasingly difficult.
Yusuf said the decision to leave the NNPP was taken after careful reflection and in the overall interest of Kano State, stressing that the move was made without bitterness.
“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 said.
The resignation letter was acknowledged by the Secretary of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, who praised the governor’s performance in office, particularly in infrastructure development, urban renewal, healthcare, education and economic empowerment.
While admitting that the NNPP was facing internal challenges, Zubairu said the party respected Yusuf’s decision and described him as one of its most impactful leaders.
Political analysts view the development as a major shift in Kano’s political landscape, with Yusuf’s expected return to the APC likely to significantly reshape political calculations in the state ahead of future elections.
