The defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), did not come without drama, triggering a wave of resignations by commissioners and senior government appointees loyal to the Kwankwasiyya movement led by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The resignations, which began quietly and gathered momentum over the past week, reflect the widening rift between Governor Yusuf and Kwankwaso, his long-time political benefactor.
Among those who have stepped down is Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, son of the former governor, who resigned as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and member of the Kano State Executive Council.
In his resignation letter, Mustapha thanked Governor Yusuf for the opportunity to serve, saying he was leaving with a “heavy heart” while reaffirming his commitment to youth advocacy in the state.
Also, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umar (rtd), resigned his position as Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services.
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In a letter dated January 26, 2026, Umar cited the strained relationship between Governor Yusuf and Senator Kwankwaso as the primary reason for his decision, describing his exit as necessary in view of recent political developments.
Rt. Hon. Amb. Nasiru Sule Garo, Commissioner for Special Duties, also resigned with reports linking his resignation to the growing gulf between the governor and the Kwankwasiyya leadership, noting that he remains aligned with Kwankwaso.
Other Officials Who Resigned
Beyond commissioners, other top appointees have also stepped aside, including the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Laminu Rabiu.
In a letter dated January 25, 2026, he cited the recent political developments as the cause of his resignation, reaffirming loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya movement.
The Managing Director of the Kano State Roads Maintenance Agency (KARMA), Hassan Danbappa, also confirmed his resignation via social media, describing it as part of the broader withdrawal of Kwankwasiyya-aligned officials from Yusuf’s administration.
Similarly, Shafa’atu Ahmed, Chief Governor’s Reporter at the Ministry of Rural and Urban Development, announced her resignation on social media, thanking the governor and ministry officials for the opportunity to serve.
Governor Yusuf is expected to announce replacements for the affected positions in the coming days.
The Kano State Government has defended the governor’s defection to the APC, saying the move is aimed at aligning the state with the federal government to attract greater support and interventions.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
