The Kano Civil Society Alliance for Peaceful Politics (KCSAPP) has for the suspension of large political gatherings in the state, while advocating safer campaign alternatives ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking at a press briefing held in Kano on Tuesday, the coalition warned that the recent surge in “yan ‘daba–related violence” threatens lives, property and the integrity of the electoral process.
Convener of the group, Mallam Abdullahi Muhammad said: “We cannot allow political ambition to be paid for in blood and fear by the citizens.”
The Convener, however called for immediate suspension of mass rallies until a comprehensive security framework is in place.
According to him, the group’s demand follows an alarming pattern of politically motivated thuggery across the state.
The event attended by representatives from more than a dozen local civil society groups including the Center for Strategic Conflict Management and the Kano Youth Enlightenment Forum, cited several deadly clashes in Hotoro, Koki, Rimin Kebe and other hotspots.
“The scale of violence we have recorded is unacceptable; politicians who fund and deploy yan ‘daba must be held to account. “
He also called for independent investigations into recent incidents.
Also speaking, Secretary of the Alliance, Comrade Muhammad Auwal, told newsmen that the coalition will mobilise citizens, especially youth and women, to reject violence and to support nonviolent forms of engagement before, during and after the elections.
“Our priority is to protect lives and ensure elections are free from intimidation,” Comrade Auwal added.
Listing concrete alternatives, the alliance recommended a mix of small town halls, virtual town halls and door-to-door visits to homes to replace mass rallies, alongside community radio programming and targeted sessions for youth and women.
“Candidates should adopt responsible campaign methods — virtual outreach, market briefings and neighborhood listening sessions — to reduce risk. “
Muhammad also stressed that these measures can maintain voter engagement without exposing communities to violent disruptions.
The group also proposed multi-stakeholder peace committees and strengthened law enforcement in identified hotspots.
The coalition called on state authorities and security agencies to step up disarmament and targeted operations against armed gangs and to fast-track rehabilitation and reintegration programs for unemployed youth.
“Rehabilitation, job creation and vocational training are essential to tackling the root causes of yan ‘daba.”
He urged the Kano State Government to pair enforcement with social interventions.
The alliance further demanded an independent, transparent investigation into recent killings and accountability for perpetrators, noting that many incidents remain unreported or underreported.
While pressing for stronger action, the alliance commended Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf for his Kano First Agenda and recent efforts to restore security and pursue transformative initiatives across the state.
“We commend His Excellency’s bold vision for Kano and urge him to continue to walk the talk by prioritizing citizen safety,” Mallam Abdullahi Muhammad said.
He added that collaborative leadership from government and civil society is critical, hence he described the governor’s measures to secure the state as important steps that need reinforcement through coordinated community-level programs.
“We appeal to INEC, the international community and security operatives to wade into this matter — what affects Kano affects northern Nigeria and the nation,”
The group concluded by urging citizens to participate in peaceful civic education programs the Alliance plans to roll out ahead of the 2027 elections.