Kwankwaso’s absence at Gov Yusuf’s New Year party sparks fresh rift amid defection rumours

Kwankwaso’s absence at Gov Yusuf’s New Year party sparks fresh rift amid defection rumours

The absence of the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the 2026 New Year celebration hosted by Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has intensified speculation over deepening cracks within the party.

The annual event, which was introduced during Kwankwaso’s second term as governor, has since been sustained by the Yusuf administration.

However, Kwankwaso’s failure to attend this year’s edition creates suspicion and has been widely interpreted as a sign of escalating political tension.

Sources within the party linked Kwankwaso’s absence to the ongoing internal crisis in Kano, amid reports that Governor Yusuf is exploring a possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Party insiders claim the former governor is displeased by alleged discreet engagements between Yusuf, the APC and President Bola Tinubu ahead of the party’s forthcoming congress, despite warnings from Kwankwaso against such a move.

The development dampened the mood at the Filin Mahaha venue on New Year’s Eve, where a large crowd gathered, chanting Kwankwaso and Kwankwasiyya slogans in anticipation of the party leader’s arrival.

Addressing attendees, Governor Yusuf sought to shift focus to governance, assuring residents that 2026 would usher in significant progress, with special emphasis on youth empowerment and development across key sectors of the state’s economy.

He stated, “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.

“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.

“As you are aware, in this government, providing access to education is our priority, and so, this year is the year of educational development.”