Some Kwankwasiyya youth groups in Kano State have declared their readiness to politically align with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf following his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), but said the move would depend on certain conditions being met.

The youths said they were willing to move with the governor if his administration addresses what they described as marginalisation and lack of inclusion in governance.

Governor Yusuf announced his resignation from the NNPP on Friday, citing a deepening internal crisis and persistent leadership disputes within the party.

Governor 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,” the governor stated.

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

Speaking during a youth engagement forum in Kano on Saturday, leaders of the Kwankwasiyya youth groups said they were not opposed to Governor Yusuf personally but were reacting to what they described as exclusion from decision-making and government programmes.

Kwankwasiyya is the political movement associated with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the NNPP.

As reported by Daily Trust, Aminu Abdullahi, popularly known as Alhaji Warkal, who spoke on behalf of the groups, said the youths would only align with the governor if his administration genuinely carries young people along.

“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.

Abdullahi 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 State.

“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.

‘This is about interest, not force’

The youth leader dismissed claims that political actors were forcing or inducing the groups to take sides, insisting that their position was based purely on political 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 also disclosed that discussions held with various youth groups across the state showed a willingness to align with the governor, provided their concerns were adequately addressed.