The Kano State governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the killing of a political commentator in the state, describing the incident as a disturbing development that must not be allowed to go without a thorough investigation.
The candidate expressed sadness over the death, calling on security agencies to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing and bring those responsible to justice.
He described the deceased as a voice in Kano’s political and public affairs space, noting that the loss had further heightened concerns over the safety of citizens and the need to protect freedom of expression and constructive political participation.
According to him, disagreements over political opinions or affiliations should never degenerate into violence or the loss of human life.
He urged the police and other relevant security agencies to conduct a transparent investigation into the incident, identify the perpetrators and ensure that they face the full weight of the law.
The NDC candidate also appealed to political actors, supporters and residents of Kano to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating tension in the state.
Call for Justice
The governorship candidate said the killing should not be viewed merely as another criminal incident, stressing that attacks against political commentators and other members of the public could undermine democratic participation if left unchecked.
He maintained that citizens must be able to express their views, criticise government policies and participate in political debates without fear of intimidation or violence.
He therefore called on the state government and security authorities to strengthen measures aimed at protecting residents, particularly during a period of increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The candidate further extended his condolences to the family, friends and associates of the deceased, praying that they would have the strength to cope with the loss.
Political Tension
The incident has also renewed concerns about political tension and security in Kano, a state with a long history of intense political competition and strong grassroots mobilisation.
Political commentators, activists and civil society groups have repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment ahead of the next general elections.
The NDC candidate urged political parties and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns and respect differences of opinion rather than resorting to threats, intimidation or violence.
He said democracy could only thrive when citizens were free to participate in political activities without fear.
He also called on residents who may have useful information about the killing to assist law enforcement agencies, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the death must be fully established.
The candidate concluded by urging the authorities to ensure that the investigation is not compromised and that justice is served, saying accountability would help restore public confidence and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The circumstances surrounding the killing, as well as the identities of those responsible, remain subject to investigation by the relevant authorities.