2027: Kano govt harps on issue-based campaign, flays hate speech, violence

As the 2027 electioneering campaign commences, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State has called on political parties, governorship candidates, and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns devoid of rancour and violence.

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

Dawakin-Tofa urged politicians and their followers to conduct their campaigns based on issues and development rather than hate speech, provocation, character assassination, and any action capable of disturbing the peace of the state.

He assured the Kano state residents that their the campaign would be peaceful, issue-based, and focused on the development, unity, and prosperity of the state.

“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.

“The people of Kano deserve a campaign where candidates explain what they intend to do differently and how they will improve the lives of citizens.

“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.

“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,” Dawakin-Tofa said.

He also urged supporters to remain disciplined, respect opposing views, and refuse to be provoked into actions that could undermine peace and public order in the state.

The governor’s spokesperson also urged the media and security agencies to remain resolute in the discharge of their duties.

“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.

“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.

He said the government would continue to discharge its responsibilities and deliver services to the people 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.

“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.