Breaking: Kano Commissioners And Senior Officials Quit Amid Abba Yusuf Defection

Several commissioners and senior officials have resigned from the Kano State Government following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Yusuf officially joined the APC on Monday, stating that the move was made “in the best interest of the people of Kano State.” He had resigned from the NNPP on Friday, citing persistent internal crises and prolonged leadership disputes within the party.

The shift comes just hours after 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly also defected from the NNPP to the APC.

Among the latest officials to resign is Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umaru (retd.), Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services. Umaru submitted his resignation in a letter dated January 26, 2026, addressed to the governor via the Secretary to the State Government.

In the letter, the retired Air Force officer expressed gratitude to Governor Yusuf for the trust placed in him, recalling his initial appointment as Director-General of the Special Services Directorate in June 2023 before being promoted to commissioner.

“Given the recent developments, I believe it is in the best interest of the state and the administration that I step aside from this role,” Umaru wrote. “This decision, though difficult, is made after careful consideration.” He noted that his service was guided by the principles of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, led by former Governor and NNPP leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Nasiru Sule Garo, also resigned in a letter dated January 26. He thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve and pledged to ensure a smooth transition, offering assistance with any necessary handover processes.

Other officials who stepped down include Laminu Rabiu, Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, and Hassan Danbappa, Managing Director of the Kano State Roads Maintenance Agency. Rabiu stated that his resignation followed a reassessment of his political position and reaffirmed his loyalty to Senator Kwankwaso and the NNPP, explaining that the move was necessary to realign with the party and the Kwankwasiyya movement.

Additionally, Shafa’atu Ahmed resigned as Chief Governor’s Reporter at the Ministry of Rural and Urban Development, expressing gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve in his cabinet.