By Abubakar Haruna Mashi|Nigerian Post
A leadership dispute has emerged within the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Katsina State Chapter, following a request by the Deputy Chairman of the council, Khadija Sulaiman Saulawa, urging the Katsina State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to halt a planned statewide tour allegedly being organized by the State Chairman, Yusuf Papa Junior.
In a letter dated May 21, 2026, addressed to the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Khadija Saulawa stated that Yusuf Papa Junior had been suspended from office over allegations bordering on financial misconduct, embezzlement, and unauthorized withdrawal of the council’s funds.
The letter further alleged that despite the suspension, Yusuf Papa Junior was continuing arrangements for a “State Tour” across the three senatorial zones of Katsina State while presenting himself as the active chairman of the council.
However, as of the time of filing this report, Yusuf Papa Junior or his associates had not officially responded to the allegations or the reported suspension.
The NYCN leadership also appealed to the ministry to prevent any individual from conducting official engagements in the name of the council without the approval of the acting leadership, while recommending that the three zonal vice chairmen oversee activities within their respective senatorial zones.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the Katsina State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for awareness and necessary action.
The situation is still developing as stakeholders continue to monitor the leadership crisis within the council in Katsina State.
