More Resignations Hit Kano Governor’s Cabinet After Defection To APC

The wave of resignations trailing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued, with two additional Commissioners quiting the Kano State Executive Council.

Speculations have also intensified amongst political observers and people of the State regarding the political future of the State’s deputy governor, Comrade Abdulsalam Gwarzo, who remains a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and loyal to the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Gwarzo is yet to publicly declare his position, though his notable absence at his principal’s formal defection to APC and party’s e-registration flag-off on Monday, has set tongues wagging about his future in the Yusuf administration.

Meanwhile, the latest to follow the wave of resignations were the Commissioner for Special Duties, Nasiru Sule Garo, and the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Adamu Aliyu Kibiya.

Garo announced his resignation in a letter dated January 26, addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). He said the decision followed careful thought and consideration, describing his service to the people of Kano State as an honour and a privilege.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust and support extended to me during my tenure. Serving the people of Kano State has been an honour and a privilege,” Garo stated, adding that he would ensure a smooth transition and remain available for any handover processes.

Similarly, Kibiya resigned with immediate effect, bringing to an end to his service, which began on June 29, 2023. In his resignation letter, he cited prevailing circumstances that had continued to limit his ability to effectively discharge his responsibilities and affected the smooth running of the ministry.

Despite his exit, Kibiya thanked Governor Yusuf for the opportunity to serve and for the confidence reposed in him, describing his tenure as a chance to contribute to the humanitarian and social development of the state.

“I wish the Kano State Government continued success in its efforts to improve the welfare and well-being of the people,” he said.

Similarly, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Laminu Rabiu, had resigned his appointment with immediate effect. In a letter dated January 25, 2026, Rabiu said his decision was informed by evolving political circumstances and his continued loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya movement led by former governor of the State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“As a devoted member of the Kwankwasiyya movement, I remain unwaveringly loyal to our leader and dedicated to the principles and objectives that guide our political movement,” he stated, noting that stepping aside would enable him to better support the movement’s strategic direction while preserving unity.

Rabiu expressed gratitude to Governor Yusuf for the opportunity to serve and thanked staff of the board for their cooperation during his tenure.

In total, eight top government officials have now resigned following the governor’s defection from the NNPP to the APC.

Those who have stepped down so far included the Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umaru (rtd); the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Rabi’u Kwankwaso; the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata; the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Laminu Rabiu; the Governor’s Political Adviser, Hon. Sunusi Surajo Kwankwaso, and the Director of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Training Institute, Barrister Samaila Abdullahi Mukhtar.

The wave of resignations highlighted growing political realignments within the Kano State Government, with indications that further changes may follow as the political landscape continued to shift following Governor Yusuf’s exit from the NNPP alongside 22 members of Kano State House of Assembly, nine Houses of Representatives members and all 44 local government area council chairmen of the State.