By Samuel Solomon
A coalition of Kano-based civil society organisations has called on political actors and the state government to immediately suspend all large-scale political rallies and gatherings ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing a dangerous escalation of politically-motivated violence and thuggery across the state.
The Kano Civil Society Alliance for Peaceful Politics, comprising groups such as the Centre for Strategic Conflict Management, Amnesty and Human Rights Nigeria, and the Coalition of Democrats and Electoral Reforms, raised the alarm on Tuesday during a media briefing in Kano.
The alliance noted that political violence, particularly involving armed gangs of yan’daba (street thugs), has surged dramatically in recent months, with politicians across party lines allegedly funding and directing these groups to intimidate opponents and disrupt electoral processes.
“Almost all known political actors in the state have thousands of yan’daba on their payroll,” the coalition stated, warning that the trend threatens democratic stability in Nigeria’s most populous state.
Recent incidents cited by the group include the killing of at least 10 people during clashes around State Road in May 2026, the murder of five individuals on May 5 in a fresh wave of thuggery violence which Amnesty International demanded be investigated, and the killing of a police officer attached to Hotoro Division just weeks before his planned retirement.
Other violent episodes include clashes in Koki and Abattoir Market areas, conflicts in Dorayi-Karama that have persisted since 2024, and a foiled attack on Farm Centre Phone Market on April 27, 2026.
The coalition commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his “bold and ambitious vision” through the Kano First Agenda but insisted that “more needs to be done” to secure the state.
Beyond suspending rallies, the alliance demanded an independent investigation into all recent political violence, a targeted rehabilitation programme for unemployed youth, strengthened law enforcement operations in hotspot areas, and the establishment of a multi-stakeholder peace committee.
The group also proposed alternative campaign strategies, including town hall meetings in small venues, virtual engagements via social media, door-to-door visits, community radio programmes, and market square briefings.
“We are making a passionate appeal to INEC, the international community, and security operatives to wade into this matter,” the coalition said. “Whatever affects Kano affects northern Nigeria and the entire country.”
