Some Kwankwasiyya youth groups in Kano State have expressed the desire to be politically aligned with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who dumped the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), on Friday.

Governor Yusuf cited deepening internal crisis and persistent leadership disputes within the party as his main reason for leaving.

Yusuf conveyed his resignation in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the NNPP in Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area, with effect from January 25, 2026.

“In recent times, the party has been confronted with persistent internal challenges arising from leadership disagreements and ongoing legal processes, many of which are presently before the courts for judicial determination,” he noted.

He added that the disputes have led to growing disenfranchisement among party members, widening divisions and weakening internal cohesion.

Speaking during a youth engagement forum in Kano, on Saturday, the Kwankwasiya groups promised to align with Governor Yusuf if his administration addresses what they described as marginalisation and lack of inclusion in governance.

Kwankwasiya is a term associated with Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso, National Leader of NNPP.

Aminu Abdullahi, popularly known as Alhaji Warkal, who spoke on behalf of the groups, said the youths were not opposed to the governor personally but were reacting to what they termed exclusion from decision-making and government programmes.

“We are not saying we will never move with him. We will move with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf if the government genuinely carries the youths along and gives them a sense of belonging,” Abdullahi said.

He said many young people who worked for the success of the Kwankwasiyya movement and the NNPP in the 2023 elections felt abandoned after the victory.

“These youths sacrificed their time, energy and resources to bring the government into power. But after that, they were not involved in programmes, consultations or opportunities that concern them,” he said.

According to him, the lack of youth inclusion has contributed to growing frustration among supporters of the movement in Kano.

“You cannot expect young people to follow blindly when they are not embedded in governance. Youth engagement is key to reducing crime and social tension,” Abdullahi added.

He dismissed claims that political actors were forcing or inducing the youths to take sides, insisting that their position was based purely on interest and expectations.

“This is not about hijacking anyone. Politics is about interest. If the government listens to the youths and supports them, they will support the government in return,” he said.

Abdullahi noted that discussions held with various youth groups showed a willingness to align with the governor, provided their concerns were addressed. (Weekend Trust)