By Ayomide Otitoju
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has condemned Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s resignation from the party, describing it as a betrayal of the mandate entrusted to him by the people.
In a statement released on Saturday and signed by NNPP National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson, the party dismissed Yusuf’s claim that internal crises prompted his resignation, insisting the allegations were unfounded and raised after the fact.
Governor Yusuf formally resigned from the NNPP on Friday and is expected to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). His spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, said the governor conveyed his decision in a letter addressed to the NNPP chairperson of Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area.
“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, with effect from Friday, 23rd January 2026,” Yusuf wrote.
Reacting to the development, the NNPP expressed “deep pain and disappointment,” noting that Yusuf rose to power on the strength of the Kwankwasiyya political movement and the trust of Kano voters.
“We deeply regret that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who benefited from years of loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya Movement, has chosen this path, which amounts to a betrayal of the trust reposed in him by the people of Kano State,” the party said.
The NNPP warned that Yusuf’s defection could reverse political and developmental gains in the state, potentially returning Kano to political forces previously rejected by the electorate.
Rejecting claims of internal instability, the party highlighted its recent organisational achievements, including successful congresses conducted from the ward to national level, supervised by INEC and attended by the governor. It also cited victories in two supplementary legislative elections in August 2025, stating that allegations of an “irredeemable crisis” were without merit.
The party drew historical parallels to the early 1980s defection of former Kano governor Abubakar Rimi, noting that political disloyalty in that case led to electoral rejection for most lawmakers who defected alongside him.
Despite its criticism, the NNPP appealed for calm among supporters and residents of Kano State. “We urge the over one million voters who supported Governor Yusuf’s election, as well as the people of Kano State and Nigerians at large, to remain peaceful and restrained,” the statement said.
The party reaffirmed its confidence that the people of Kano will continue to support principled leadership and uphold the ideals that brought about the Kwankwasiyya political movement.
