With political calculations already quietly underway ahead of the 2027 general elections, security agencies and civil society actors in Kano State have begun laying early preparations to curb misinformation, hate speech and election-related tension.
The Kano State Police Command, working alongside civil society organisations and government officials, convened a youth-focused summit aimed at preventing the spread of fake news and divisive narratives that often intensify during pre-election periods.
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Speaking at the event, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, the state commissioner of Police, said the initiative aligns with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to proactively address social bias, misinformation and inflammatory content, particularly as political activities gradually increase across the country.
Bakori warned that unchecked hate speech and fake news circulating on traditional and digital media platforms could threaten peace and undermine socio-economic development in the state.
“The media space is currently awash with hate speech and fake news capable of igniting conflict and disrupting social harmony,” he said. “We will not allow a few individuals to destabilise the peace of Kano State. Anyone found promoting hate speech or publishing fake news will face the full weight of the law.”
He urged journalists, social media influencers, community leaders and young people to partner with security agencies to promote responsible communication, stressing that the police remain committed to maintaining law and order before, during and after the 2027 elections.
Also speaking, Aminu Magashi Garba, chairman of the Magashi Garba (AMG) Foundation, described the summit as timely, noting that election seasons are often characterised by heightened tensions and deliberate misinformation campaigns, with youths frequently targeted as tools for spreading false narratives.
He disclosed that the foundation plans to work closely with the police and youth-focused organisations over the next 12 months to organise training sessions and consultations for political party spokespersons, youth leaders and civil society groups on fact-based messaging and responsible information sharing.
According to him, the initiative will also involve identifying and training youth peer educators to serve as champions against fake news and hate speech, while strengthening communication and intelligence-sharing channels with security agencies.
“We are committed to supporting dialogue, training and coordination that will help safeguard Kano State as we approach 2027,” he said, adding that the partnership would be expanded to include more stakeholders.
In her address, Maimuna Umar, special adviser to Kano State Governor on Community Policing, emphasised the importance of community-driven security efforts, commending Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his support of security agencies and community policing initiatives.
She noted that sustainable security requires collaboration among law enforcement, communities, youth and women’s groups, describing the summit as a critical platform for countering harmful online narratives and promoting responsible use of social media.
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Participants at the summit also underscored the influence of radio, television and digital platforms in shaping public opinion ahead of elections, urging media professionals to uphold ethical standards, verify information and avoid sensational reporting that could inflame tensions.
Attendees were encouraged to fact-check information before sharing it, reject divisive language and use their platforms to promote unity, dialogue and peaceful coexistence across Kano State as the 2027 elections draw closer.
