Political rift deepens in Kano as appointees resign 

There is a major crack within the Kano State government following Governor Abba Yusuf’s resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), as key political appointees believed to be loyal to Rabiu Kwankwaso have begun resigning enmasse from the administration.

The resignations, which started quietly in recent days, have now gathered momentum and are widely seen as a direct fallout of the governor’s decision to formally disengage from the NNPP — the political platform that brought him to power and is closely associated with Kwankwaso’s political movement.

Sources within the Kano government House confirmed that several aides, board members, and special advisers identified with the Kwankwasiyya political structure have submitted letters of resignation, citing political realignment and personal conviction as reasons for their exit.

One appointee told BusinessDay,  who spoke on the condition of anonymity, described the situation as a necessary political decision, adding that loyalty to Kwankwaso remained non-negotiable.

According to the appointee, remaining in an administration that has severed ties with the NNPP would amount to a betrayal of the movement and its ideology.

Governor Yusuf’s resignation from the NNPP has sent shockwaves through Kano’s political landscape, given his long-standing association with Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor and the undisputed leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

The NNPP rode to electoral victory in Kano largely on the strength of Kwankwaso’s grassroots influence and political machinery.

Political analysts say the wave of resignations signals a deepening rift within the state’s power structure and could weaken the governor’s control of the political base that secured his victory at the polls.

Kunle Okunade, a political analyst, said that the development may trigger further defections, internal resistance, and possible realignment ahead of future elections.

So far, the Kano State government has not issued an official statement addressing the resignations or clarifying the political direction of the administration following the NNPP exit.

However, insiders insist the governor is determined to assert independence and chart a new political course, even if it comes at the cost of losing key allies.

Meanwhile, NNPP stakeholders loyal to Kwankwaso have maintained that the party remains intact, focused, and unshaken, insisting that those resigning from appointments are merely standing by the mandate of the people and the party that gave them relevance.

“The governor has made his decision, and there is no going back. It is for his political future. Those resigning are not happy, but we cannot stop anybody from not resigning,” a source in the governor’s camp said.

Over the weekend, hundreds of supporters of Kwankwaso visited him in his residence in Kano State capital after the defection of the governor to the APC.

Speaking at the event, Kwankwaso said the people of the state would reply the governor at the polls, while calling for mass mobilisations ahead of the 2027 general election in the state.

Speaking to BusinessDay over the weekend, National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, said that Kwankwaso’s power of influence in Kano will not wane because the Governor has defected.

“I believe that a lot of the people in Kano have probably looked at the scenario and are more endeared to Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya leadership style. As you well know, this is the second time it is happening”, he said.

Ladipo stated that a similar situation had happened in past when former Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, turned his back on the Kwankwasiyya movement, stressing that the movement came back stronger in 2019 but was denied by the court.

Observers say that with the defection causing ripples in Kano, the coming weeks will reveal whether Governor Yusuf can stabilise his administration or whether the Kwankwasiyya exodus will deepen further.