Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A public affairs analyst and convener of the Kano Civil Society Alliance for Peaceful Politics, Abdullahi Muhammad, has called on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to suspend large political gatherings in the state as a preventive measure against escalating violence ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at a press briefing in Kano on Tuesday, Muhammad warned that the recent surge in yan daba-related violence threatens lives, property, and the integrity of the electoral process. He declared, "We cannot allow political ambition to be paid for in blood and fear by the citizens. The scale of violence we have recorded is unacceptable; politicians who fund and deploy 'yan daba must be held to account".
The coalition's demand follows what it described as an alarming pattern of politically motivated thuggery across the state, with recent deadly clashes recorded in Hotoro, Koki, Rimin Kebe, and other hotspots. According to the group, approximately 10 people were killed during clashes around State Road in May 2026 alone, while political thugs killed five more people on May 5, marking a fresh wave of violence. The alliance also recalled earlier incidents, including clashes in August 2024 that left at least eight people dead across Rijiyar Lemo, Kurna, and Unguwa Uku. A police officer was also killed in Hotoro Division during clashes between rival groups in May 2026, weeks before his retirement. The coalition warned that the pattern of killings shows a sustained cycle of violence linked to political activities, noting that "clashes between rival gangs have become frequent, with armed thugs chasing and killing victims while chanting party slogans".
The call for suspension comes amid a deepening political realignment in Kano State. Governor Yusuf, who was elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, has since defected to the All Progressives Congress. However, his political godfather and former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was reportedly displeased with the move. Kwankwaso is now the vice-presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Democratic Party, with Peter Obi as the party's presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election. The political tensions stemming from these realignments have contributed to an increasingly volatile environment, with rival factions allegedly funding and directing armed gangs to intimidate opponents and disrupt electoral processes. Amnesty International has also raised concerns, stating that it is investigating allegations that some well-known politicians and government officials in Kano may be behind the violence. The human rights organisation warned that "increasing political violence by armed thugs working for some politicians in Kano is creating a toxic climate of fear and infringes on the rights of people to freely participate in politics and political activities".
Muhammad called for the immediate suspension of mass political rallies until a comprehensive security framework is put in place. He recommended replacing large gatherings with smaller town hall meetings, virtual engagements, door-to-door campaigns, community radio programmes, and targeted sessions for youths and women. "Candidates should adopt responsible campaign methods — virtual outreach, market briefings and neighbourhood listening sessions — to reduce risk," Muhammad said. He also proposed the establishment of multi-stakeholder peace committees and stronger law enforcement in identified flashpoints. The coalition called on the Kano State Government and security agencies to intensify disarmament operations against armed gangs while expanding rehabilitation, job creation and vocational training programmes for unemployed youths. "Rehabilitation, job creation and vocational training are essential to tackling the root causes of yan daba," Muhammad said.
Despite the criticism, the alliance commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his Kano First Agenda and recent efforts to improve security across the state. "We commend His Excellency's bold vision for Kano and urge him to continue to walk the talk by prioritising citizen safety," Muhammad said. However, the coalition acknowledged that despite a 2025 government amnesty offering rehabilitation to over 1,300 repentant thugs, the menace persists, threatening democratic stability in Kano State. The group also demanded an independent and transparent investigation into recent killings, noting that many incidents remain unreported or underreported. Muhammad Auwal, secretary of the alliance, said the coalition would mobilise citizens, particularly young people and women, to reject violence and embrace peaceful political participation before, during and after the elections. "Our priority is to protect lives and ensure elections are free from intimidation," Auwal said.
The coalition appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission, the international community, and security operatives to intervene, warning that "what affects Kano affects northern Nigeria and the nation". As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, the call for suspension of large gatherings underscores the growing concern over the safety of citizens and the integrity of the electoral process in one of Nigeria's most politically significant states. The alliance, which comprises more than a dozen civil society organisations in the state, including the Centre for Strategic Conflict Management and the Kano Youth Enlightenment Forum, urged residents to participate in peaceful civic education programmes it plans to roll out ahead of the general election.
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