Taiwo POPOOLA
Some Kwankwasiyya-affiliated youth groups in Kano State have declared their readiness to align politically with Governor Abba Yusuf, provided the administration addresses what they describe as marginalisation and exclusion from governance.
At an engagement forum in Kano, held amid ongoing political realignments in the state, the youths made their position known on Saturday, stating that they were not opposed to Governor Yusuf as an individual but were dissatisfied with what they termed the lack of inclusion of young people in government programmes and decision-making.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, Aminu Abdullahi, popularly known as Alhaji Warkal, explained that many youths who played key roles in the success of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) during the 2023 general elections felt abandoned after victory.
According to him, “Thousands of young people sacrificed their time, energy and resources to ensure the success of the movement and the party. Unfortunately, after the election, they were left out of consultations, appointments and empowerment opportunities.”
He further stated that the perceived exclusion had fuelled frustration among supporters, stressing that neglecting youth participation could have wider social implications.
Abdullahi said one cannot expect young people to remain loyal when they are not carried along, describing genuine youth engagement as critical to reducing crime, restiveness and social tension.
He dismissed insinuations that political actors were coercing or inducing the youths to take sides, pointing out that their stance was driven purely by interests and expectations.
He explained that politics is about interest, noting that if the government listens to the youths, empowers them and gives them a sense of belonging, they will naturally support the administration.
He disclosed that deliberations among various youth groups showed a willingness to align with the governor if their concerns were addressed.
