The groups, however, said their support would depend on the governor’s willingness to address what they described as marginalisation and lack of youth inclusion in governance.

Governor Yusuf formally resigned from the NNPP on Friday, citing deepening internal crises and persistent leadership disputes within the party.

In his resignation letter addressed to the NNPP Chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area, Yusuf said the party had been plagued by internal challenges and unresolved legal disputes.

“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 disenfranchisement of members, widening divisions and weakening internal cohesion.

The resignation took effect from January 25, 2026.

Speaking at a youth engagement forum in Kano on Saturday, representatives of the Kwankwasiyya youth groups said they were not opposed to Yusuf personally but were dissatisfied with what they described as exclusion from governance since his emergence.

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

Aminu Abdullahi, popularly known as Alhaji Warkal, who spoke on behalf of the groups, said the youths were willing to work with the governor if their concerns were addressed.

“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 during the 2023 elections felt abandoned after victory was achieved.

“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 had fuelled frustration among supporters of the movement across the state.

The youth leader stressed that meaningful engagement of young people was critical to social stability.

“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 said.

He dismissed claims that political actors were coercing or inducing the youths to take sides, insisting that their stance was driven by 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 added.

Abdullahi said consultations with various youth groups showed a general willingness to align with the governor, provided their demands for inclusion were met.