Kano Govt Kicks Against Hate Speech, Violence as 2027 Campaign Begins

With campaigning for the 2027 general elections now underway, Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State has urged political parties, governorship aspirants and their supporters to prioritise issue-based campaigns that steer clear of hostility and violence.

The governor's spokesperson and Director-General of Media and Publicity, Sunusi-Bature Dawakin-Tofa, made the call while addressing a press conference on the governor's behalf on Wednesday in Kano.

Dawakin-Tofa urged politicians and their followers to anchor their campaigns on issues and development rather than hate speech, provocation, character assassination, or any conduct capable of disrupting peace in the state. He assured Kano residents that the campaign season would remain peaceful, issue-driven, and focused on the state's development, unity and prosperity.

"As we commence this journey to 2027, we invite all governorship candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful and responsible campaigns across the state. Let us compete on the basis of ideas, policies, records, programmes, and other important issues rather than insults, intimidation, or violence," he said.

He added that the people of Kano deserve a campaign in which candidates clearly articulate their plans and how they intend to improve citizens' lives. "We urge all political actors to avoid hate speech, provocation, character assassination, destruction of property, and any action capable of disturbing the peace of the state, which has remained relatively peaceful," Dawakin-Tofa said. "On behalf of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf, we assure the people of Kano that our campaign will be peaceful, issue-based, and focused on the development, unity, and prosperity of the state."

He further urged supporters across all parties to remain disciplined, respect opposing viewpoints, and resist being provoked into actions that could threaten peace and public order in the state.

The governor's spokesperson also called on the media and security agencies to remain steadfast in carrying out their responsibilities during the campaign period. "We call on media influencers, conventional media, bloggers, and social media users to play their important role responsibly by verifying information before publication and avoiding the spread of fake news, rumours, inflammatory content, and any misinformation capable of distorting the peace of the state," he said. "We also urge security agencies to remain professional, impartial, and vigilant throughout the campaign period, while political parties and campaign organisations should cooperate with them and comply with all lawful requirements."

Dawakin-Tofa said the state government would continue discharging its responsibilities and delivering services to residents regardless of the political season. "Our commitment to development and good governance remains unwavering under the leadership of Gov. Yusuf. Kano is bigger than any political party or individual. Political competition will come and go, but we will continue to live together as one people after the election," he said.

He appealed to all candidates to join hands in safeguarding the peace and unity of Kano, irrespective of party differences. "We, therefore, appeal to all candidates to join hands in protecting the peace and unity of Kano irrespective of differences in political parties. Let us campaign with respect, compete with ideas, disagree without violence, and put the interest of Kano above political differences," he advised.