The Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has declared that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf must formally resign from office before defecting to any other political party.

The party made this known on Tuesday amid growing speculations that the governor may be planning to leave the NNPP ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to the party, Abba Yusuf was elected on the platform of the NNPP and therefore has no moral or political right to retain the mandate if he chooses to abandon the party.

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Speaking through its state leadership, the NNPP said the governorship mandate belongs to the party and the people who voted for its symbol, ideology, and leadership, not to an individual acting outside that platform.

“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was elected as NNPP governor. If he intends to defect to another party, the honourable thing to do is to resign and seek a fresh mandate,” the party stated.

The NNPP also warned against what it described as “political betrayal,” stressing that Kano voters overwhelmingly supported the party in the 2023 governorship election due to the legacy and influence of its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The party leadership further dismissed rumours of an imminent defection, insisting that no official communication has been received from the governor. However, it maintained that any move contrary to the party’s constitution would be strongly resisted.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has not publicly reacted to the statement as of the time of filing this report.

Political observers say the development highlights rising tensions within Kano’s political space, especially as realignments and strategic calculations begin ahead of the next election cycle.