Governor Yusuf Urges Candidates To Shun Violence, Hate Speech As Campaign Begins

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has urged governorship candidates and their supporters to shun hate speech, intimidation and violence as the 2027 electioneering campaign officially commences.

The governor, through his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, made the call on Wednesday, urging political actors to make the campaign period peaceful and issue-based.

Bature said the governor’s administration would ensure that its campaign focused on development, unity and prosperity of the state.

He urged all governorship candidates to compete based on their policies, programmes, records and ideas rather than insults and character assassination.

According to him, “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.”

The governor also cautioned political actors against hate speech, provocation, destruction of property and other actions capable of disturbing the relative peace in the state.

Yusuf urged his supporters to remain disciplined, respect opposing views and resist provocation throughout the campaign period.

He further called on conventional media practitioners, influencers, bloggers and social media users to verify information before publication and avoid spreading fake news, rumours and inflammatory content.

The governor appealed to security agencies to remain professional, impartial and vigilant throughout the campaign, while urging political parties and campaign organisations to comply with lawful requirements.
He assured residents that the government would continue to discharge its responsibilities and provide services irrespective of the political season.

Yusuf said Kano was bigger than any political party or individual, stressing that political competition would end after the election while residents would continue to live together.
He therefore appealed to all candidates to protect the peace and unity of the state despite their political differences.

“Let us campaign with respect, compete with ideas, disagree without violence and put the interest of Kano above political differences,” he said.

He, however, expressed optimism that candidates of the All Progressives Congress would emerge victorious in all elective positions in the state in 2027.