Political Shake-Up: Kwankwasiyya Movements Set Terms For Endorsing Yusuf After Defection

Several Kwankwasiyya youth groups in Kano State have signaled their willingness to politically support Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf following his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

However, the groups stressed that their backing would depend on the governor addressing what they described as marginalisation and the lack of youth participation in governance.

Governor Yusuf formally resigned from the NNPP on Friday, citing persistent internal crises and leadership disputes within the party. In a resignation letter addressed to the NNPP Chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area, he highlighted unresolved legal battles and internal disagreements that had weakened the party and disenfranchised members. The resignation took effect on January 25, 2026.

Speaking at a youth engagement forum in Kano on Saturday, representatives of the Kwankwasiyya youth groups clarified that their grievances were not personal against Yusuf, but rooted in exclusion from governance since his administration began.

Aminu Abdullahi, also known as Alhaji Warkal, said, “We are willing to work with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf if the government genuinely engages young people and gives them a sense of belonging.” He noted that many youths who had contributed time, energy, and resources to the success of the Kwankwasiyya movement and the NNPP in the 2023 elections felt abandoned after the party assumed power.

Abdullahi added that lack of youth inclusion had created frustration across the state, emphasizing that meaningful engagement of young people is essential for social stability.

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

He rejected claims that external political actors were influencing the youths, insisting their stance was driven by genuine interest. “If the government listens to the youths and supports them, they will support the government in return,” Abdullahi stated.

According to him, consultations with multiple youth groups indicated a readiness to align with Governor Yusuf, provided their demands for inclusion are met.