A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Kano has called for the suspension of large political gatherings in the state, citing rising violence linked to political thuggery ahead of the 2027 general election.
Abdullahi Muhammad, convener of the Kano Civil Society Alliance for Peaceful Politics (KCSAPP), spoke on Tuesday at a press briefing in Kano.
Muhammed warned that the recent surge in political thuggery threatens lives, property and the credibility of the electoral process, adding that political ambition should not come at the expense of citizens’ safety.
“We cannot allow political ambition to be paid for in blood and fear by the citizens,” he said.
He noted called for the immediate suspension of mass political rallies across the state until a comprehensive security framework is put in place.
Muhammad said the group’s position was informed by what he described as an alarming pattern of politically motivated violence across the state.
He cited recent clashes in Hotoro, Koki, Rimin Kebe and other parts of Kano.
“The scale of violence we have recorded is unacceptable; politicians who fund and deploy yan daba must be held to account,” Muhammad said.
He also called for an independent investigation into recent incidents of violence and recommended replacing mass political rallies 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 added that such approaches would sustain voter engagement without exposing communities to violent disruptions.
He also proposed the establishment of multi-stakeholder peace committees and stronger law enforcement in identified flashpoints.
Muhammad 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.
According to him, the alliance also demanded an independent and transparent investigation into recent killings, saying many incidents remain unreported or underreported.
While calling for stronger action, he commended Abba Kabir Yusuf, governor of Kano, for his Kano First Agenda and recent efforts to improve security in 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.
He added that collaboration between government and civil society would be critical to strengthening security through community-based interventions.
“We appeal to INEC, the international community and security operatives to wade into this matter — what affects Kano affects northern Nigeria and the nation,” he said.
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 alliance, which comprises more than a dozen CSOs 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.