Kwankwaso’s No-Show At Kano New Year Event Sparks Fresh Crisis in NNPP

Rabiu Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), was notably absent on Thursday from the 2026 New Year celebration hosted by Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf—his former political protégé—intensifying speculation about a worsening rift within the party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The annual event, introduced during Kwankwaso’s second tenure as governor and later continued by the Yusuf administration, went ahead without the party leader’s presence.

Sources told ThisDay that Kwankwaso’s absence may be linked to the ongoing internal crisis within the NNPP in Kano, amid reports that Governor Yusuf is considering a defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Kwankwaso, who had consistently attended the celebration in previous years, was said to be expressing displeasure over what party insiders described as Yusuf’s alleged discreet engagements with the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the party’s congress, despite warnings against leaving the party.

At the Filin Mahaha ground, the venue of the New Year event held on New Year’s Eve, a large crowd turned out, chanting Kwankwaso and Kwankwasiyya slogans. Many supporters appeared visibly disappointed when it became evident that the former governor would not attend.

In his address, Governor Yusuf declared 2026 a year dedicated to youth empowerment and development in Kano State.

“Our plans for you this year, our dear youths, go beyond your expectations. 2026 presents a new platform where we intend to create employment opportunities for you,” he said.

He added that the year had been designated as “the year of Kano youths,” focused on job creation and the promotion of peaceful coexistence across the state.

Yusuf also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing education, describing it as a top priority for the government in 2026.