Some youth groups aligned with the Kwankwasiyya Movement in Kano State have indicated their willingness to work with Governor Abba Yusuf, but say such support will depend on improved inclusion in governance.
The youths made their position known during an engagement forum in Kano, held amid shifting political dynamics in the state, where they complained of marginalisation since the emergence of the current administration.
Speaking for the groups, Aminu Abdullahi, also known as Alhaji Warkal, said their grievances were not directed at Governor Yusuf personally but at what they described as the exclusion of young people from government programmes and decision-making processes.
He said many youths who were active during the 2023 general elections, particularly in mobilising support for the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, felt sidelined after the polls.
Abdullahi noted that despite the sacrifices made by young supporters, they were largely left out of consultations, appointments and empowerment initiatives, a situation he said had bred frustration among members.
He warned that sustained neglect of youth participation could have broader social consequences, stressing that meaningful engagement of young people was key to addressing crime, unrest and social tension.
The group dismissed claims that external political forces were influencing their stance, insisting that their position was based solely on interests and expectations from the government.
Abdullahi added that discussions involving at least 32 youth groups showed readiness to support the governor if their concerns were addressed, disclosing that about 400 youths attended the forum, where empowerment items valued at N20m were distributed.