The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has expressed strong displeasure over the resignation of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, from its ranks and his planned defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that Kano voters will not forgive what it described as a betrayal of their mandate.
The party insisted that Yusuf’s exit would not alter the political structure of Kano State ahead of the 2027 general election, maintaining that the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement still enjoy the loyalty and confidence of the masses, with or without the governor.
NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, who made the party’s position known, said the governor’s decision to return to the APC amounted to “freely handing over” a mandate given to him by the people to a party Kano voters had rejected at the polls.
“Abba’s leaving the NNPP wouldn’t change the Kano political structure. By God’s grace, we believe that we will win Kano, with or without the governor. Our confidence is in the people,” Johnson said.
Speaking in an interview with The Punch, Johnson stressed that the strength of the NNPP in Kano is rooted in grassroots support, recalling that the party had recorded electoral successes in the state even without incumbents or elected officials.
“In 2019, without a single elected executive or legislative officer, we believed we won Kano squarely. In 2023, we were in the same position, yet Abba Yusuf became governor through the votes of the masses. That shows where the real power lies,” he added.
Johnson also said the Kwankwasiyya Movement, which powered the party’s victory in 2023, remains firmly with the NNPP, dismissing fears that Yusuf’s defection could weaken the party’s standing in the state.
Meanwhile, NNPP national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged party members and supporters to begin preparations for the 2027 general elections following the governor’s departure.
Addressing party leaders and supporters at his residence on Miller Road, Kano, Kwankwaso commended loyal members for their ideological commitment, describing them as individuals “who cannot be induced with money to abandon their beliefs.”
“Given the current political situation in Kano, we must get ready for 2027, mobilise our supporters, and deliver votes in every ward,” Kwankwaso said, urging members to remain steadfast despite the unfolding political realignment.
Business Hallmark had reported that Yusuf resigned from the NNPP on Friday alongside 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and 44 local government chairmen.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, who said Yusuf formally communicated his decision in a letter addressed to the NNPP chairman of Diso–Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area.
In the letter dated January 23, 2026, the governor cited unresolved leadership crises and ongoing legal battles within the party as reasons for his resignation.
“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party of my decision to resign my membership,” Yusuf said.
Sources within the APC confirmed that the governor is expected to be formally received into the ruling party on Saturday, following directives by the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, for arrangements to be made for Yusuf’s registration and that of his supporters.
However, it was gathered that the deputy governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, may not defect alongside Yusuf.
The governor’s move comes days after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, further fuelling speculation over his imminent switch to the APC.