The national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, was conspicuously absent on Thursday at the 2026 New Year celebrations hosted by his erstwhile political godson, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, further fuelling speculations over the deepening crisis within the party.
The annual celebration, which was initiated during Kwankwaso’s second term as governor, has since been taken over by the Yusuf administration.
Sources disclosed to ThisDay that Kwankwaso’s absence may not be unconnected to the crisis rocking the NNPP in Kano, amid reports of Yusuf’s alleged plan to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former governor, who had never missed the programme in previous years, was said to be protesting what party insiders described as Yusuf’s alleged secret talks with the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the party’s congress, despite warnings from Kwankwaso not to defect.
At the Filin Mahaha ground, venue of the New Year celebration held on the eve of the new year, a mammoth crowd gathered, chanting Kwankwaso and Kwankwasiyya slogans.
Many of the supporters were visibly disappointed when it became clear that the former governor would not be attending the event.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Yusuf declared 2026 as a year of progress and development for the youth of Kano State.
“Our plan for you this year, our dear youths, is more than you can imagine. 2026 is a new platform for you in which we plan to provide you with job opportunities,” he said.
He added, “We have named this year, 2026, the year of Kano youths; the year of job provision for youths; we also declare it as the year for peaceful coexistence in Kano, by the grace of Almighty God.”
The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to education.
“As you are aware, in this government, providing access to education is our priority, and so, this year is the year of educational development,” Yusuf stated.