ABUJA, Nigeria — Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has formally resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, citing what he described as worsening internal disputes and unresolved leadership crises within the party.
The resignation was announced in a statement issued on Friday, January 23, 2026, by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who said Mr Yusuf submitted a resignation letter to the chairman of the party in Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area.
According to the statement, Mr Yusuf’s resignation takes effect from Saturday, 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 governor said in the letter.
Mr Yusuf expressed appreciation to the party for providing him a political platform and said he was grateful for the support he received from party leaders and members across Kano State.
“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, as well as the support, goodwill, and cooperation extended to me during my time in the party,” he stated.
But the governor said his decision was driven by internal disputes and prolonged legal battles that have unsettled the party at state and national levels.
“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,” he said.
He added that the disputes had led to disenfranchisement within the party and deepened divisions that he described as increasingly difficult to bridge.
“The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable and have generated uncertainty at both state and national levels,” Mr Yusuf said.
The governor said he reached the decision after what he described as careful reflection, adding that it was taken with Kano State’s interests in mind.
“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.
Mr Yusuf said his departure was not driven by bitterness and reaffirmed his commitment to peace, unity and development in Kano State.
The statement from his spokesperson also said the governor’s resignation was accompanied by the resignation of 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and 44 local government chairmen across the state.
Kabiru Zubairu, identified as the secretary of the party in Diso-Chiranchi Ward, acknowledged receipt of the resignation letter and said he accepted the governor’s decision.
“I wish to concur with His Excellency on the lingering crisis in our party,” Mr Zubairu said. “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 of the NNPP.”
Mr Zubairu commended Mr Yusuf’s performance in office, citing what he described as achievements in infrastructure, urban renewal, health, education and economic empowerment.
