The Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Ismail Falgore, alongside 21 other legislators, has formally resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s departure from the political platform.

The mass resignation, announced on Saturday, includes the Deputy Speaker, Muhammad Bello Butu-Butu, Majority Leader Lawan Hussain, and other principal officers of the state legislature, signaling near-total collapse of NNPP structures in the assembly.

According to a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Assembly, Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai, the lawmakers declared total support for Governor Yusuf, who had exited the party just 24 hours earlier alongside eight federal lawmakers and all 44 local government chairmen in the state.

The defecting legislators include Deputy Majority Leader Garba Shehu Fammar, Chief Whip Muddasir Ibrahim Zawachiki, Majority Whip Zakariyya Abdullahi Nuhu, and lawmakers from constituencies across Kano including Ajingi, Albasu, Bagwai/Shanono, Bebeji, Bunkure, Dawakin Kudu, Fagge, Gabasawa, Garko, Gwale and Karaye.

The statement emphasized that the Kano State House of Assembly had verified and authenticated the complete list of defecting lawmakers to properly inform the public and clarify their political position following the governor’s resignation from NNPP.

The legislators reaffirmed their unwavering commitment and loyalty to Governor Yusuf’s administration despite the political realignment, pledging to continue supporting the policies and programmes being implemented across the state.

Governor Yusuf had communicated his decision to leave NNPP in a letter addressed to the party chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area, effective January 23, 2026, citing persistent internal disputes and legal challenges that have undermined party stability.

In the resignation letter, the governor expressed appreciation to NNPP for the platform and support extended to him since joining in 2022, while acknowledging that deepening internal divisions had created an untenable situation requiring decisive action.

The NNPP Secretary of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Kabiru Zubairu, acknowledged receipt of the governor’s resignation while commending his achievements in infrastructure development, urban renewal, healthcare delivery, education and economic empowerment during his time in office.

Zubairu admitted the existence of lingering internal challenges within the party and stated that NNPP had no option but to accept the resignation, describing Governor Yusuf as one of the most outstanding governors produced by the political platform.

The wave of defections marks a dramatic political shift in Kano State, where NNPP had dominated since the 2023 elections under the influence of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya movement.

NNPP national officials have condemned the development, labeling it a betrayal of the sacred trust given by Kano voters. National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson dismissed claims of irredeemable party crisis as baseless, while Kwankwaso declared he is not for sale and would not compromise his principles.

Former Senator Abubakar Gada has announced his return to the Peoples Democratic Party just six months after joining the African Democratic Congress, citing leadership failures and lack of commitment from former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

Gada made the declaration on Saturday during a meeting with supporters in Sokoto State, explaining that his decision was driven by the need to reclaim and rebuild the PDP after what he described as years of stagnation under Tambuwal’s leadership.

The former lawmaker, who represented Sokoto East Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011 under the PDP before joining ADC in 2025, accused Tambuwal of failing to fulfill his responsibilities as joint leader of the party in Sokoto.

“My humble self and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal were considered the leaders to drive the party in the state,” Gada stated. “But leadership comes with responsibility. Leadership is not just a title; it requires commitment, presence, and dedication to the people.”

Gada revealed that despite their agreement to jointly lead the ADC in Sokoto, Tambuwal never made meaningful efforts to sit down with stakeholders or engage in grassroots party building across the state.

“Tambuwal never came to sit with us to build the party. This lack of commitment has left the ADC in limbo in Sokoto and forced us to take destiny into our hands by returning to PDP,” he explained.

The former senator’s decision marks a dramatic reversal from August 2025, when he received scores of APC members who defected to the ADC, declaring at the time that the coalition was committed to rescuing Sokoto State and Nigeria from what he called poor leadership.

During that period, Gada had spoken passionately about the ADC’s mission to restore peace, security and development, particularly in response to worsening insecurity in Sokoto East that had crippled farming activities and deepened poverty.

Supporters who gathered for Gada’s return to PDP, including Alhaji Hamza Yabo, described the move as a significant step toward rebuilding the party after its defeat in the 2023 elections.

Alhaji Hamza Gatawa stated that work had begun to reclaim the PDP, while Hajiya Mariam Kabi called on women and youth to rally behind Gada to achieve his political objectives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, the Sokoto PDP has distanced itself from reports of Gada’s return. State Publicity Secretary Hassan Sayinnawal denied knowledge of any formal defection, stating that no steps had been taken at the ward, local government or state levels to confirm Gada’s membership.

“The party has no information about Senator Gada’s return. There has been no official process at any level indicating that he has rejoined PDP,” Sayinnawal clarified.

Gada is expected to formally announce his return to the PDP at the state level in the coming weeks as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

The development adds another layer to the complex political dynamics in Sokoto State, where multiple defections across party lines have created uncertainty about electoral alliances and power structures heading into the next political cycle.

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s position on the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket faces uncertainty as multiple politicians from northern Nigeria position themselves for the vice presidential slot ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Political analysts have identified several factors that could influence President Bola Tinubu’s decision on whether to retain his current deputy or select a different running mate when he formally secures the party’s nomination

Sources within the ruling party indicate that at least four northern governors, drawn equally from the North-East and North-West zones, along with two principal officers from the National Assembly, have expressed interest in the vice presidential position.

One significant consideration is the demand for religious balance on the ticket. The Muslim-Muslim arrangement that brought Tinubu and Shettima to power in 2023 generated considerable controversy among Christian groups, and political strategists suggest that fielding a Christian running mate could broaden the president’s appeal heading into 2027.

Reports indicate that pressure from international actors, particularly the United States, has intensified calls for a Muslim-Christian ticket, potentially reshaping the political calculations within the presidency.

Another factor being examined is Tinubu’s historical pattern with deputy positions. During his eight years as Lagos State governor, he worked with three different deputies, suggesting a willingness to make changes when deemed politically necessary.

Additionally, observers note that Tinubu has never delegated presidential authority to Shettima during international trips, raising questions about the depth of trust and coordination between the two leaders.

However, powerful voices within the APC have pushed back against any replacement plans. Former presidential aide Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who recently left the administration, confirmed there is no rift between the president and vice president, describing their working relationship as having strong chemistry.

Legal practitioner Titilope Anifowoshe warned that changing running mates would trigger fresh political lobbying that could destabilize the administration and distract from governance priorities.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga clarified that Tinubu will announce his running mate only after securing the APC nomination at the party’s 2026 convention, effectively leaving the question open until the formal campaign season begins.

Shettima brings considerable political assets to the ticket, including a formidable electoral structure in Borno State where he has never lost an election, first as governor and later as senator. His influence extends across the North-East and among northern Muslim voters who remain critical to the APC’s electoral fortunes.

Political analysts warn that removing Shettima could carry significant costs, potentially alienating northern voters and creating a backlash similar to tensions witnessed during recent APC stakeholder meetings in Gombe State.

The North Central Renaissance Movement has threatened to withdraw support from Tinubu unless a vice presidential candidate emerges from their geopolitical zone, citing decades of political marginalization and security challenges facing Christian-dominated states in the region.

Names being mentioned as potential replacements include former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara, a Christian from Bauchi State, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, former Zamfara Governor Abdulaziz Yari, and Bishop Matthew Hassan KukahSokoto Diocese.

As the 2027 elections approach, the vice presidential question remains one of the most closely watched political calculations within the ruling party, with implications that could reshape Nigeria’s electoral landscape.