Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has formally announced his resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), citing persistent internal conflicts, leadership disputes, and a commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the state’s citizens. The resignation, disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, became effective from January 23, 2026. Governor Yusuf conveyed his decision in a letter addressed to the chairman of NNPP, Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Gwale local government area of the State. In his letter, the Governor expressed gratitude for the platform and support he received from the NNPP since joining in 2022, while attributing his departure to unresolved crises that have destabilized the party’s structure at both state and national levels, leading to deepening divisions and weakened internal cohesion.

This significant political development further depleted the ranks of opposition parties in Nigeria. Governor Yusuf's resignation was not a solitary act; he was joined by a substantial number of elected officials, including 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen across the state. This mass defection underscores the profound internal rifts within the NNPP. Additionally, Umar Haruna Doguwa, the Commissioner for Water Resources and former party chairman, also tendered his resignation, echoing the governor's concerns about leadership crises and multiple court cases. Visible signs of the shift were quickly observed, with the NNPP flag removed from the governor’s office, as captured in a viral video by his spokesperson.

The New Nigeria People’s Party reacted with profound anguish and disappointment, describing Governor Yusuf’s resignation as a "betrayal of trust." Ladipo Johnson, NNPP national publicity secretary, rejected the governor’s claims of an irredeemable crisis as "baseless and an afterthought," noting that the party had recently conducted successful congresses and won supplementary elections. Johnson drew a historical parallel to Abubakar Rimi's defection from the PRP in the 1980s, which led to a significant electoral defeat despite a mass exodus of officials. The party urged its 1,019,602 voters and the wider Kano populace to remain calm and avoid division, asserting that loyalty to principled leadership would ultimately prevail.

The atmosphere in Kano following the governor’s defection is tense and divided, leading to a visible split within the influential Kwankwasiyya Movement, the political platform that brought Governor Yusuf to power. While some members now align with Governor Yusuf and are referred to as “Yan Aci Dadi Lafiya” (those enjoying themselves), others maintain loyalty to the movement’s leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, known as “Yan Wuya Ba Ta Kisa” (Hardship will not kill them). Addressing his steadfast supporters at his Kano Miller Road residence, Senator Kwankwaso urged them to remain loyal and steadfast, emphasizing that his struggle for social justice and good governance is "not for sale." He called on his followers to intensify grassroots mobilization and begin preparing for the 2027 elections, warning against political opportunism driven by financial incentives.

The move by Governor Yusuf has been widely anticipated, with strong indications that he will officially join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The Kano State chapter of the APC has already extended a warm welcome, with State Secretary Ibrahim Zakari Sarina confirming that a special electronic registration number (001) has been reserved for the governor at his Chiranci-Diso ward. This gesture also extends to his cabinet members and supporters. The governor's recent closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Aso Rock further fueled speculation about his imminent defection. This mirrors a broader national trend, as at least six other governors from opposition parties have defected to the APC within the past year.

Reactions from residents and political analysts in Kano have been varied. Many residents were not surprised by the resignation, having long anticipated it, and widely believe he is headed for the APC. Some view it as a strategic and well-considered decision that will help Kano State secure federal projects and appointments, aligning with the "center" for state-level development and stability. Musa Abdullahi highlighted the potential for increased federal support and political stability. However, Aisha Dankawu expressed feelings of betrayal, arguing that voters supported him due to Kwankwaso’s influence. Sunusi Ibrahim questioned its impact on the lingering Kano emirate tussle, while Aminu Musa feared the creation of a one-party state without strong opposition. A Special Adviser to the governor, speaking anonymously, suggested that the move merely represents "changing the bottle, not the content," with the Kwankwasiyya ideology extending its influence to another platform, as evidenced by defectors still wearing the symbolic red cap. Political analyst Dr. Kabiru Sufi noted that the Kwankwasiyya movement would undergo internal realignments, with Kwankwaso tasked to fill the vacuum created by the departures and reorganise the movement's structure from top leadership to grassroots mobilization.