As the political fallout from Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) continues, a chieftain of the party and Senator representing Kano Central senatorial district, Rufa’i Sani Hanga, has described the move as a “political suicide” that will inevitably end in defeat.
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The declaration came as NNPP leader and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Sunday received a solidarity visit from residents of Nasarawa Local Government at his Kano residence, while another member of the state executive council resigned to remain loyal to the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Speaking on Sunday to Trust TV, Senator Hanga revealed that he had personally cautioned Governor Yusuf against leaving the party but was ignored.
“When I heard about it, I went to advise him not to embark on this suicide mission, but unfortunately, he was not ready to listen, and I honestly don’t know what has gone wrong,” the senator stated.
Governor Yusuf, along with 21 members of the State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and 44 local government chairmen, had formally resigned their membership of the NNPP on Friday, citing deepening internal crises and persistent leadership disputes within the party.
The party leader downplayed the impact of the governor’s exit, insisting that many of the appointees who followed him would soon return to the NNPP.
“Most of them will make a U-turn, because their minds are still with us, and they have no place where they have gone or they will be going,” Hanga declared.
He further argued that defectors with political ambitions would eventually be forced back to the NNPP, stressing that their chances of winning elections outside the party were slim.
Senator Hanga explained that even the governor would struggle to secure any elective position in his new political environment.
“There is no automatic ticket,” he said, referencing the position of the party’s national leadership. “Anyone who wants to contest must go through the primaries, and I doubt if he can win any. If he tries, they will defeat him hands down.”
Hanga expressed deep disappointment over what he described as an “unimaginable betrayal,” recalling the governor’s long political journey under the mentorship of the party’s leader.
He noted that the governor rose through the ranks to where he is today due to the support of the NNPP national leader Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
“For him to now abandon the same leader and move to a party that antagonised us and treated us callously is truly unfortunate, and NNPP would closely observe how the governor navigates his new political path, because to defect in these circumstances would ultimately prove costly,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kwankwaso, who has been at the centre of political developments in Kano State, received a solidarity visit from residents of Nasarawa Local Government at his Kano residence on Sunday.
Speaking after the visit in a post shared via X.com, Kwankwaso expressed gratitude to the delegation for what he described as their unwavering support and determination despite recent challenges.
“I reaffirmed my profound appreciation for their unwavering courage and determination. Despite the recent trials that have tested the faith and fortitude of many, they have chosen to stand firmly with us—not for personal gain, but for the collective progress and well-being of our people,” the former governor stated.
Kwankwaso emphasized that the visitors’ loyalty was rooted in their commitment to advancing the ideals of the Kwankwasiyya movement, which has become synonymous with his political philosophy and grassroots support base across northern Nigeria.
The NNPP chieftain assured his supporters that their collective resolve remained unshaken, expressing confidence in ultimate victory.
“Together, we remain resolute in upholding and advancing the timeless ideals of Kwankwasiyya. The journey continues, and victory is assured by the grace of God and the will of the people,” he added.
In a related development, Kano State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata, has resigned his appointment and membership of the State Executive Council, citing concerns over the prevailing political turmoil in the state.
In a resignation letter dated January 25, 2026, and addressed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kofarmata said his decision was informed by growing apprehension that his continued stay in office could be perceived as compromising his independence and objectivity.
He explained that expectations of political loyalty and allegiance under the current circumstances were inconsistent with the impartiality required of a commissioner.
“The integrity of the State Commissioner’s role rests on the ability to act without undue influence, partisan pressure, or divided allegiance,” he said, adding that stepping aside was the most responsible course of action to safeguard the credibility of the office.
Kofarmata, who hails from Zango Ward in Kano Municipal Local Government Area, noted that his resignation was also meant to preserve public confidence in the institution and his personal commitment to ethical public service.
He expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve in various ministries, where he said he contributed to policy reforms and development initiatives in the state.
“I sincerely hope that my resignation will help preserve my image and public confidence in the institution and allow it to function without question or constraint,” he said.
Sources indicate that Kofarmata was a staunch supporter of the Kwankwasiyya movement and a beneficiary of the Kwankwaso scholarship scheme to PhD level.
As a member of the Kwankwasiyya scholars, he was appointed into the Executive Council as Commissioner as a representative and nominee of the Kwankwasiyya scholars.
He was first appointed as Commissioner for Higher Education and later redeployed to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation where he served until his resignation.
Reports indicate that Kofarmata has been a supporter of Kwankwaso even as the NNPP-APC defection moves unfolded. He has since taken sides with Kwankwaso amidst the defection move of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and did not dump the NNPP.
The resignation comes amid ongoing political realignments and heightened tensions following recent developments within the Kano State political landscape.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Government had yet to issue an official response to the resignation. However, the letter was stamped as received.
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