Kano Defection Fallout: Commissioners, Pilgrims’ Board DG, Others Quit Yusuf’s Cabinet

 

Fresh political tremors have hit the Kano State Government following Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as more commissioners and top government officials tendered their resignations on Monday.

Among those who have stepped aside is Ibrahim Umaru, Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, who announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the governor.

The wave of exits comes barely hours after Governor Yusuf formally announced his defection to the APC, describing the move as being “in the best interest of the people of Kano State.”

Earlier, Yusuf had resigned from the NNPP on Friday, attributing his decision to what he described as deepening internal crises and prolonged leadership disputes within the party. His defection followed the exit of 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, who also dumped the NNPP for the ruling APC.

As the political realignment gathered momentum, Nasiru Garo, Commissioner for Special Duties, also resigned his appointment.

“This decision has been made after careful thought and consideration. I am deeply grateful for the trust and support extended to me during my tenure,” Garo said in his resignation letter.

Other top officials who have exited the administration include Laminu Rabiu, Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, and Hassan Danbappa, Managing Director of the Kano State Roads Maintenance Agency (KARMA).

In his resignation letter, Rabiu said his decision was taken after a careful evaluation of his position in the unfolding political movement in the state. He reaffirmed his loyalty to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, national leader of the NNPP and founder of the Kwankwasiyya political movement, noting that his resignation was necessary to realign with the party.

Also resigning is Shafa’atu Ahmed, Chief Government Reporter at the Ministry of Rural and Urban Development, who thanked Governor Yusuf for the opportunity to serve in his administration.

The latest resignations underscore the widening cracks within the Kano political landscape as alignments shift ahead of future electoral contests.