The Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum (KPCF) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in the growing political and social tensions in Kano State to prevent the situation from escalating into crisis.
The coalition made the appeal in an open letter dated October 8, 2026, addressed to President Tinubu, warning that Kano was at a “crossroads” and required urgent, impartial and preventive intervention by the Federal Government.
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The group said Kano’s politically active and socially diverse population had historically demonstrated resilience, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, but expressed concern that the current political season and developments surrounding the Kano Emirate could heighten tensions.
KPCF also expressed concern over a statement attributed to Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, Sarkin Dawaki Babba, describing it as unfortunate and particularly sensitive given the prevailing political atmosphere.
The coalition further referred to a viral video allegedly showing Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, an NDC candidate for the Kano State House of Assembly representing Gwale Constituency, displaying what appeared to be a pump-action rifle during a political gathering in the Janbulo area of Gwale.
According to the group, the Kano State Police Command subsequently invited the candidate for questioning over the alleged incident, citing possible firearms law violations and concerns about public peace and security. It stressed, however, that the allegations remained matters for the appropriate authorities to establish through due process.
KPCF urged political, traditional, religious and community leaders, as well as their supporters, to exercise restraint and avoid hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric, threats, intimidation and other actions capable of provoking violence.
The coalition also raised concerns over a recent Durbar organised by the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, during which violence was reportedly recorded and campaign posters and billboards bearing the identities of President Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf were allegedly destroyed.
It acknowledged reports that the Emir subsequently apologised to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing the gesture as important towards reducing tensions. However, KPCF said the apology alone might not be enough and urged authorities to establish the facts and ensure that anyone found culpable was dealt with according to law.
On the Kano Emirate dispute, the coalition urged political appointees and government officials at both federal and state levels to refrain from inflammatory statements or partisan positions on matters before the courts.
It also called for the judiciary to be allowed to carry out its constitutional responsibilities without political pressure, intimidation or public mobilisation, urging all parties to respect judicial proceedings and their eventual outcomes.
Among other demands, KPCF asked President Tinubu to direct security and intelligence agencies to closely monitor developments in Kano and take preventive measures against violence, intimidation, hate speech and destruction of property.
It also called for equal protection of political parties, candidates and their supporters, investigation of the destruction of campaign materials, accountability for anyone responsible for violence regardless of political or traditional affiliation, and an inclusive peace dialogue involving government representatives, traditional institutions, political parties, security agencies, religious leaders, youths, women and civil society organisations.
The coalition warned that Kano was too important to Nigeria to be allowed to descend into avoidable confrontation, noting that the state is a major commercial, cultural, political and social centre whose stability has implications beyond its borders.
“Kano belongs to all its people,” the coalition said, urging all stakeholders to put the peace and stability of the state above personal, political and institutional interests.
KPCF appealed to President Tinubu to use the moral authority and constitutional powers of his office to promote peace, democratic participation, freedom of expression, respect for traditional institutions and the rule of law.
The coalition said it remained committed to working with the Federal and Kano State governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, political parties and other stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence and democratic participation.
