NNPP Meltdown: Governor Yusuf Leads Kano Power Bloc Out
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has formally resigned his membership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), triggering a major political upheaval in Kano State and further deepening the crisis rocking the party nationwide.
The resignation, which takes effect from Friday, January 23, 2026, was announced in a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
Governor Yusuf conveyed his decision in a letter addressed to the Chairman of Diso–Chiranchi Ward of the NNPP in Gwale Local Government Area, officially notifying the party of his withdrawal after years of internal turbulence.
In the letter, the governor expressed appreciation to the NNPP for the platform that facilitated his political rise and eventual emergence as governor, noting that his association with the party since 2022 was marked by goodwill and cooperation.
“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,” he said.
However, Governor Yusuf cited persistent leadership disputes and unresolved legal battles as key factors behind his decision, describing the party’s internal situation as increasingly destabilising.
“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,” the letter read.
According to him, the prolonged crises have widened internal fractures, weakened cohesion, and created deep uncertainty at both state and national levels of the party.
“The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable,” the governor stated.
Governor Yusuf said his decision followed careful reflection and was guided strictly by the overriding interest of the people of Kano State, stressing that governance stability must not be compromised by internal party conflicts.
“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,” he said.
He emphasised that the move was taken in good faith and without bitterness, reaffirming his commitment to peace, unity and sustained development in the state.
“This decision is taken in good faith, without any ill will, and with a continued commitment to peace, unity, and the progress of Kano State,” the governor assured.
In a sweeping political development, Governor Yusuf exited the NNPP alongside 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and 44 local government chairmen across the state, signalling the collapse of the party’s power structure in Kano.
The mass resignation was acknowledged by the NNPP Secretary of Diso–Chiranchi Ward, Hon. Kabiru Zubairu, who openly conceded the depth of the crisis confronting the party.
“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,” Zubairu said.
He commended Governor Yusuf’s performance in office, particularly in infrastructure development, urban renewal, healthcare delivery, education reforms and economic empowerment initiatives.
The development has intensified political speculation over the next destination of the governor and his supporters, as Kano’s political landscape undergoes a dramatic realignment with implications for national party politics ahead of future elections.