Resignations Hit Yusuf's Team in Kano, Deepening Cabinet Crisis

The resignation of Kano State’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, Maj. Gen. Muhammad Inuwa Idris (Rtd), on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, has further intensified concerns over the internal crisis shaking the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the state.

Idris’ sudden departure from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s cabinet has fueled speculation about growing instability within the administration. His resignation was officially confirmed on Wednesday in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Governor Yusuf accepted Idris’ decision, expressing gratitude for his service and contributions to the newly created ministry.

“We thank Major General Muhammad Inuwa Idris (Rtd) for his unwavering commitment and contributions to the development of Kano State, right from his days in the military. We wish him a peaceful and fulfilling retirement as he transitions into a well-deserved rest from public service,” the statement read in part.

Despite his brief tenure, Idris was credited with laying the groundwork for the ministry’s operations, with the governor expressing confidence that his successor would build on this foundation to enhance internal security efforts in the state.

However, Idris’ resignation is not an isolated case. It follows the departure of Engr. Muhammad Diggol, who stepped down as Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Evaluation on January 5, 2025. Diggol, who previously served as Commissioner for Transportation before being reassigned in December 2024, left under circumstances that also raised eyebrows.

Beyond these high-profile exits, several other officials have resigned in recent months, pointing to a broader crisis within the governor’s administration.

In August 2024, Abdulrahman Muhammad Sulaiman, popularly known as Mai-Kadama, resigned as the Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship and swiftly defected to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), fueling speculations of internal rifts within the NNPP.

Similarly, in September 2024, Sani Abdulkadir Dambo, the Special Adviser on Investment, also resigned and joined the APC, a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adding to the wave of exits, Abbas Sani Abbas, the former Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, who was dismissed during the December 2024 cabinet reshuffle, officially defected from the NNPP to the APC in January 2025. His defection, alongside earlier resignations, has heightened speculations that dissatisfaction with the administration is driving key figures away from Governor Yusuf’s government.

The series of resignations have raised serious concerns about the stability of the administration. Political analysts suggest that the wave of departures may be linked to growing discontent over Governor Yusuf’s leadership style, policy decisions, and political appointments.

A senior party insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, hinted that more resignations could be on the horizon.

“There are increasing concerns about governance issues and political realignments. The recent resignations may not be the last, as more officials are reportedly unhappy with the state of affairs in the government,” the source revealed.

Meanwhile, the NNPP’s internal crisis is unfolding at a time when the party is facing stiff opposition from the APC, which continues to challenge the legitimacy of Yusuf’s government. The APC has repeatedly accused the NNPP of failing to provide stable leadership in Kano State, a narrative that these resignations may further reinforce.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the NNPP in Kano faces a critical test in maintaining internal cohesion while delivering on its governance promises. Governor Yusuf’s ability to manage these internal challenges will determine whether the party can maintain its stronghold in Kano or risk losing ground to the opposition.

For now, political observers are closely watching for further shake-ups in the Kano State government, with fears that more high-ranking officials may tender their resignations in the coming months.

According to a political analyst who requested anonymity, “The departure of Maj. Gen. Muhammad Inuwa Idris (Rtd) serves as yet another warning sign that all is not well within the NNPP government in Kano State.