Some youth groups aligned with the Kwankwasiyya political movement in Kano State have indicated they are open to working with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf following his resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), but say their support will depend on greater inclusion in governance.
Governor Yusuf announced his decision to quit the NNPP on Friday, citing prolonged internal crises, leadership disputes and ongoing legal battles within the party. His resignation, which takes effect from January 25, 2026, was formally communicated in a letter addressed to the NNPP chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area.
In the letter, the governor said persistent disagreements among party leaders had weakened internal cohesion and alienated many members, with several disputes currently before the courts.
Addressing a youth engagement forum in Kano on Saturday, representatives of Kwankwasiyya-aligned youth groups said they were willing to align politically with the governor if his administration takes concrete steps to address what they described as marginalisation of young people.
Kwankwasiyya is the political movement associated with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the NNPP.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, Aminu Abdullahi, also known as Alhaji Warkal, said the youths’ stance was not rooted in personal opposition to Governor Yusuf but in dissatisfaction with what they see as their exclusion from governance and decision-making processes.
“We are not closing the door on working with him,” Abdullahi said. “We are prepared to move with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf if the government genuinely carries the youths along and gives them a sense of belonging.”
He noted that many young people who mobilised support for the Kwankwasiyya movement and the NNPP during the 2023 general elections felt sidelined after the party won power.
“After the elections, the same youths who invested their time, energy and resources were no longer involved in programmes, consultations or opportunities that directly affect them,” he said.
According to Abdullahi, the absence of meaningful youth engagement has fuelled frustration among supporters of the movement across the state, warning that neglecting young people could have broader social consequences.
“You cannot expect youths to remain loyal when they are excluded from governance. Proper youth engagement is essential to reducing crime, unemployment and social tension,” he added.
He also rejected claims that the groups were being pressured by external political interests to take sides, stressing that their position was based solely on expectations from leadership.
“This is not about being forced or hijacked by anyone. Politics is driven by interest. If the government listens to the youths and supports them, they will naturally support the government in return,” he said.
Abdullahi revealed that consultations among various youth groups showed a general willingness to work with the governor, provided their concerns are acknowledged and addressed.