Defection: Kwankwaso’s Son Resigns As Commissioner In Kano

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

As widely expected, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso , Kano State  Commissioner for Youth and Sports, a son of the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Monday, January 26, 2026, resigned his appointment from the cabinet of Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf.

The resignation of the younger Kwankwaso is a direct fallout from the resignation of Governor Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, and his expected defection to the All Progressive Congress APC.

It came just a day after  Dr Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata, the erstwhile Science and Technology Commissioner exited Governor Yusuf’s administration citing the deviation from the foundational ethos of the Government in the state as a major reason.

It will be recalled that Governor Yusuf, against strident opposition from his political godfather Senator Kwankwaso and members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, on Friday, January 23, 2026, formally announced his resignation from the NNPP the political party that brought him to power in 2023.

The Governor’s resignation which came a couple of days after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa was preceded by serious political acrimony and disagreements between the camps of Kwankwaso and that of Governor Yusuf.

In a statement on Monday, Mustapha Kwankwaso while appreciating the Governor for the opportunity given him to serve the people of Kano, however noted that he was quiting with a heavy heart.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation as Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, and member of the Kano state Executive Council.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the great people of Kano state.

“I have cherished the experiences and lessons gained while serving ,and I appreciate the trust placed in me.

“As I resign, I pray the Youths of Kano State will continue to receive attention and support they deserve. I hope for the best for our sports development programmes and initiatives, and I am confident that they will flourish in the years to come” Mustapha Kwankwaso stated.