KCSAPP Seeks Suspension Of Large Campaign Rallies In Kano Over Thug Violence

A coalition of civil society organisations under the Kano Civil Society Alliance for Peaceful Politics (KCSAPP) has called for the suspension of large political campaign rallies in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing growing concerns over political violence linked to thugs locally known as yan daba activities.

The coalition made the call during a press briefing in Kano on Tuesday, warning that the recent rise in violent clashes poses a serious threat to lives, property and the credibility of the electoral process.

Convener of the alliance, Mallam Abdullahi Muhammad, said the group was seeking the immediate suspension of mass political rallies until a comprehensive security framework is established.

“We cannot allow political ambition to be paid for in blood and fear by the citizens,” he said.

According to him, the demand follows what the alliance described as an alarming pattern of politically motivated thuggery across the state.

The briefing, attended by representatives of more than a dozen civil society organisations highlighted deadly clashes recorded in Hotoro, Koki, Rimin Kebe and other identified flashpoints.

“The scale of violence we have recorded is unacceptable; politicians who fund and deploy yan daba must be held to account,” Muhammad said, while also calling for independent investigations into the recent incidents.

The alliance urged political actors to adopt safer campaign strategies, recommending small town hall meetings, virtual engagements, door-to-door campaigns, community radio programmes and targeted outreach to youth and women instead of large public rallies.

“Candidates should adopt responsible campaign methods — virtual outreach, market briefings and neighborhood listening sessions to reduce risk,” Muhammad stated, adding that such approaches would sustain voter engagement while minimising the likelihood of violent disruptions.

Speaking at the briefing, Secretary of the alliance, Comrade Muhammad Auwal, said the coalition would mobilise citizens, particularly women and young people, to reject political violence before, during and after the elections.

“Our priority is to protect lives and ensure elections are free from intimidation,” Auwal said.

The group also proposed the establishment of multi-stakeholder peace committees and stronger law enforcement operations in violence-prone areas.

It further called on the Kano State Government and security agencies to intensify disarmament efforts against armed gangs while expanding rehabilitation, vocational training and job creation programmes for unemployed youth.

“Rehabilitation, job creation and vocational training are essential to tackling the root causes of yan daba,” Muhammad said, urging the government to combine security enforcement with social intervention programmes.

The coalition also demanded an independent and transparent investigation into recent killings, noting that many violent incidents remain unreported or underreported.

Despite its concerns, the alliance commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his Kano First Agenda and ongoing efforts to improve security and development in the state.

He stressed that stronger collaboration between government and civil society would be essential to reinforcing existing security measures through community-based initiatives.

The alliance also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the international community to support efforts aimed at preventing election-related violence in Kano.