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The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has reacted strongly to the resignation of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, from the party. The governor is set to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party described the move as a betrayal of the mandate given to Yusuf by Kano voters. It warned that the electorate would not forget the decision.
Despite the development, the NNPP insisted that Yusuf’s exit would not weaken its political strength in Kano ahead of the 2027 general elections.
NNPP: Kano Political Structure Remains Intact
NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, said the party remains confident of victory in Kano. He stressed that the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement still enjoy massive grassroots support.
According to him, Yusuf’s defection does not change the political reality in the state.
“Abba leaving the NNPP will not alter the Kano political structure,” Johnson said. “By God’s grace, we will win Kano with or without the governor. Our confidence is in the people.”
Johnson added that Yusuf’s move amounted to handing over a popular mandate to a party rejected by voters during the last election.
Grassroots Support, Not Incumbency
Johnson recalled that the NNPP had recorded electoral success in Kano without holding political offices.
“In 2019, we had no elected officials, yet we believe we won Kano,” he said. “The same thing happened in 2023. The people voted, and Abba Yusuf emerged governor. That shows where real power lies.”
He maintained that the Kwankwasiyya Movement remains loyal to the NNPP. He dismissed claims that the governor’s defection would weaken the party.
Kwankwaso Calls for 2027 Mobilisation
NNPP national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged party members to begin preparations for the next election cycle.
He spoke at a meeting with party leaders and supporters at his residence on Miller Road, Kano.
Kwankwaso praised loyal members for their commitment. He described them as people who cannot be bought or pressured to abandon their beliefs.
“We must prepare for 2027,” he said. “We must mobilise and deliver votes in every ward across Kano.”
Yusuf Resigns With Lawmakers, Chairmen
Reports indicate that Yusuf resigned from the NNPP alongside 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and 44 local government chairmen.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, confirmed the development in a statement. He said Yusuf submitted a resignation letter to the NNPP chairman of Diso–Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area.
In the letter dated January 23, 2026, Yusuf cited unresolved leadership disputes and legal challenges within the party.
“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the party of my decision to resign my membership,” the governor stated.
APC Set to Receive Yusuf
Sources within the APC confirmed that Yusuf would be formally received into the party on Saturday. The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, reportedly directed party officials to arrange his registration.
However, it remains unclear whether Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo will join the defection.
The move follows Yusuf’s recent closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting had earlier sparked speculation about his political future.
