Betrayal of Voters’ Mandate — NNPP Condemns Gov Yusuf’s Resignation
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has expressed disappointment over the resignation of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing the decision as a betrayal of voters’ mandate.
In a statement issued on Friday, NNPP National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson said Yusuf was elected on the basis of his long-standing association with the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the trust of Kano residents.
Johnson dismissed the governor’s claim that his resignation was due to an irredeemable crisis within the party, calling it “baseless” and an afterthought.
“It is with profound anguish and deep disappointment that we received the news of the resignation and defection of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP),” the statement read.
“We deeply regret that Governor Abba, a man entrusted by the people of Kano State on the strength of his decades of unwavering loyalty and dedicated service to the Kwankwasiyya Movement, has now chosen to betray that sacred trust.
“By this action, he risks returning the state to the very forces that have long opposed its progress and the aspirations of its people.”
Johnson drew a parallel with political developments in Kano in the early 1980s, when former governor Abubakar Rimi defected from the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) to the Nigerian People’s Party (NPP).
He noted that despite Rimi’s defection, voters rejected the move in the 1983 elections, resulting in his defeat and the re-election of only one out of 120 defecting state assembly members.
While describing Yusuf’s defection as painful, the NNPP spokesperson urged Kano residents and party supporters to remain calm and avoid actions that could lead to unrest.
“History has shown that political disloyalty is often judged by the electorate,” Johnson said, adding that the party remains confident in the enduring loyalty of Kano residents to principled leadership.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
