Cabinet Shake-up As Kano Commissioners, More Top Officials Quit After Abba Yusuf’s Defection

More commissioners and top government officials have resigned from the Kano State Government following the defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Yusuf officially defected to the APC on Monday, saying the decision was taken “in the best interest of the people of Kano State.”

He had earlier resigned from the NNPP on Friday, citing deepening internal crises and prolonged leadership disputes within the party.

The political shift came hours after 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly also defected from the NNPP to the APC.

Among the latest officials to resign is Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umaru (retd.), the Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services.

Umaru announced his resignation in a letter dated January 26, 2026, addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government.

In the letter, the retired Air Force officer thanked Yusuf for the confidence reposed in him, recalling his initial appointment as Director-General of the Special Services Directorate in June 2023 before being elevated to commissioner.

“Following the recent turn of events, I believe it is in the best interest of the state and the administration that I step aside from this role,” Umaru said.

“This decision, though difficult, is made after careful consideration.”

He added that his service was guided by the ideals of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, led by former Kano State Governor and NNPP leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Nasiru Sule Garo, also resigned his appointment.

In a resignation letter dated January 26 and addressed to the governor through the SSG, Garo said his decision followed careful reflection.

“Serving the people of Kano State has been an honour and a privilege,” he said, thanking the governor for the opportunity to serve.

Garo pledged to ensure a smooth transition and offered to assist with handover processes where necessary.

Other top officials who have stepped down include Laminu Rabiu, Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, and Hassan Danbappa, Managing Director of the Kano State Roads Maintenance Agency.

In his letter, Rabiu said his resignation followed a reassessment of his political position, reaffirming his loyalty to Senator Kwankwaso and the NNPP.

He said the decision was necessary to realign with the party and the Kwankwasiyya movement.

Also, Shafa’atu Ahmed resigned as Chief Governor’s Reporter at the Ministry of Rural and Urban Development, thanking the governor for the opportunity to serve in his cabinet.