Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has formally resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party, leading a mass exodus of 73 elected officials in what represents one of the most significant political realignments in northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.

The governor announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the NNPP Chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area, with the decision-making effect from January 25, 2026.

In the resignation letter released on Friday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf cited deepening internal crises, persistent leadership disputes and ongoing legal battles that have destabilized the party at both state and national levels.

“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party of my decision to resign my membership of the party,” Yusuf stated, while expressing appreciation for the political platform and support extended to him since joining in 2022.

The mass defection includes 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen across the state, signaling a near-total collapse of NNPP structures in Kano.

The governor emphasized that his decision was taken in good faith and without bitterness, adding that it was necessary to safeguard the broader interests of Kano State and its people. He reaffirmed his commitment to peace, unity, and the development of the state.

The NNPP Secretary of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Kabiru Zubairu, acknowledged receipt of the resignation letter and commended Yusuf’s performance while in office, describing him as one of the party’s most outstanding governors. Zubairu conceded that while the party had tried to contain the lingering crisis, they had no option but to accept the resignation.

Governor Yusuf’s resignation comes after weeks of speculation about his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress following a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. The move is expected to significantly alter the political landscape in Kano State, where party loyalties have long been fiercely contested.

The NNPP has been embroiled in internal wrangling, including a contentious change of the party logo that sparked legal battles and deepened fragmentation. The crisis has pitted Governor Yusuf against his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who is reportedly exploring alternative political alliances ahead of 2027.

Reports suggest that Governor Yusuf’s defection to the APC has been delayed by negotiations over an automatic gubernatorial ticket for 2027, a demand that has put him at odds with powerful APC figures in Kano, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who is widely believed to harbour his own gubernatorial ambitions.

President Tinubu has reportedly accepted Governor Yusuf into the APC, with the formal defection ceremony expected to take place in the coming days. The development marks another major gain for the ruling party, which has witnessed a surge in defections from opposition parties since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nasarawa State has suspended its State Chairman, Godwin Alaku Williams, over alleged involvement in anti-party activities.
The suspension was approved by the party’s Transitional Leadership Team (TLT) following a petition accusing Williams of actions deemed harmful to the unity and progress of the party in the state.
The decision was taken at a TLT meeting held on Wednesday at Otunsha Hotel, Keffi, and presided over by the party leader, Chief John Michael Abdul.
In a statement issued by the party’s spokesperson, Comrade Idris Ojoko, the suspension will last for 14 days, pending investigation and the outcome of proceedings by a disciplinary committee constituted by the TLT.
Ojoko also announced the appointment of Barrister Paul Magaji Ajeh, formerly the State Secretary, as Acting State Chairman, while Umar A. Babayaro has been named Acting Secretary.
According to the statement, the allegations against Williams include his alleged refusal to recognise the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator David Mark, and his failure to integrate coalition members into the ADC party structure in Nasarawa State.
Other accusations include allegedly reporting some party leaders to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police, describing them as impostors.
Williams is also accused of constituting parallel party organs at various levels within the state, interfering with the establishment of party offices at the state, local government, and ward levels contrary to NWC directives, and disrupting the ongoing membership registration and revalidation exercise.
Meanwhile, Ojoko announced the formation of a disciplinary committee chaired by Barrister Hassan Yakubu. Other members include Amina Zanwa, Mamman Sunday, and Yunus Abdullahi Sidi, with Gaza Mark Auta serving as Secretary.

The Atiku Haske Organisation has expelled Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, following his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress and endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

In a statement released on Saturday, the group’s National Secretary and Convener, Hon. Mai Nagge Musa Bakari said Abba had no authority to issue directives to the organisation, noting that he neither founded nor registered the group.

“The Atiku Haske Organisation was founded by us. Abba was merely invited to join the group. He neither contributed a single naira to the organisation nor does he possess its certificate of registration. We are, therefore, under no obligation to adhere to any directive from him,” Bakari said.

The organisation accused Abba of acting contrary to its collective decisions, values, and principles, prompting his expulsion. Bakari declared any instruction allegedly issued by Abba regarding the group’s political stance as “null, void and dead on arrival.””

The group categorically denied defecting from the African Democratic Congress, emphasizing that while it was previously aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party, members collectively resolved to move to the ADC, a decision that remains unchanged.

Despite expelling his son, the organisation reaffirmed its support for the former vice president, describing him as “the most credible candidate” capable of delivering good governance and alleviating Nigerian suffering.

Atiku has described his son’s decision as “entirely personal,” stating that such developments at the intersection of family and politics are “neither unusual nor alarming.”

The development signals intensifying political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with major political figures already repositioning themselves for the electoral contest.