NNPP Blasts Gov Yusuf Over Exit, Rejects Claims Of Internal Crisis

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has strongly condemned the resignation of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the party, describing his decision as a betrayal of the mandate given to him by the people of the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), through its National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, rejected Governor Yusuf’s claim that his exit was due to an unresolved internal crisis within the NNPP.

According to the party, the governor’s justification was unfounded and raised only after his decision to leave had already been made.

Governor Yusuf formally resigned from the NNPP on Friday, amid expectations that he will defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, confirmed the development, stating that the governor submitted a resignation letter to the NNPP chairperson of Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area.

In the letter, Yusuf expressed gratitude to the party leadership, announcing his decision to withdraw his membership with effect from January 23, 2026.

Reacting to the development, the NNPP said it received the news with “deep pain and disappointment,” stressing that Yusuf emerged as governor on the strength of the Kwankwasiyya political movement and the confidence of Kano voters.

The party warned that the governor’s defection could undermine the political and developmental gains recorded in Kano State, noting that it may pave the way for political forces previously rejected by the electorate.

Dismissing allegations of instability, the NNPP highlighted that it successfully conducted congresses from ward level to its national convention on December 20, 2025, under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party noted that Governor Yusuf himself participated in the process.

It also cited its victories in two supplementary legislative elections held in August 2025 as evidence that the party remains stable and united.

Drawing historical parallels, the NNPP recalled the defection of former Kano State Governor, Abubakar Rimi, in the early 1980s, which it said ultimately led to electoral rejection by the people.

Despite its criticism, the party appealed to its supporters and residents of Kano State to remain calm and peaceful, assuring them that principled leadership and the will of the electorate would prevail.