2027: Shun violence, hate speech, character assassination, Yusuf urges opposition

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

As the gubernatorial campaign has officially commenced across Nigeria, ahead of the forthcoming 2027 general election, the Kano state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf has urged opposition candidates to avoid provocative comments during their rallies.

In a statement by his spokesman, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, Yusuf urged all the opposition the political actors to avoid hate speech, provocation, character assassination, destruction of property and any action capable of disturbing the peace of the state.

According to the governor, Kano is enjoying relative peace, as such, the political actors should not truncate the peace during the campaigns.

Therefore, Dawakin-Tofa said governor Yusuf invited 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 and programmes and other important items 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, that have relatively peaceful,” he appealed.

The governor also tasked the supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the state to remain disciplined, respect opposing views and refuse to be provoked into actions that could undermine peace and public order of the state.

He also called on the 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 and inflammatory content and any miss information capable of districting 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.

“The government will 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 different in political parties,” the statement reads.

The governor urged the political actors to campaign with respect, compete with ideas, disagree without violence and put the interest of Kano above political differences.