Gov Yusuf Accused of Blocking Opposition Campaign Billboards in Kano

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has been accused of restricting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from erecting campaign billboards across the state.

The allegation was made by a prominent member of the ADC, Salihu Tanko Yakasai, in a statement shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

Yakasai claimed that the state government had prevented the opposition party from using billboard spaces to publicise its activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He accused the governor’s administration of taking a step that could limit the ability of opposition parties to communicate their messages to voters through outdoor advertising.

“The administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has prevented our party, the ADC, from erecting campaign billboards across Kano State,” Yakasai alleged.

Yakasai also criticised the alleged action by comparing it with accusations of political restrictions made against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in some other states.

“I never imagined that the kind of oppression the APC is accused of carrying out in some states could happen in Kano,” he said.

The ADC chieftain called on Governor Yusuf to remember the temporary nature of political power and the possibility of changes in political circumstances.

“Governor Abba, remember that power belongs to Allah. Remember where you came from before occupying this office,” Yakasai said.

He further warned that political fortunes could change, stressing that individuals who hold powerful positions today may not remain in the same position tomorrow.

“Remember, no matter how far a stone is thrown, it will eventually fall to the ground,” he stated.

Yakasai also referred to Governor Yusuf’s political experiences before he became governor.

He argued that some of the individuals whom Yusuf had previously accused of oppression were now within the governor’s sphere of authority.

“Those you claim oppressed you yesterday are now under your authority, but you do not know where Allah may place you tomorrow,” Yakasai said.

The controversy comes against the background of Kano State’s existing regulations on outdoor advertising.

In June 2023, shortly after Governor Yusuf assumed office, the state government announced restrictions on indiscriminate outdoor advertising and the pasting of posters on public and private property.

The government said individuals and organisations were expected to use approved billboards and electronic platforms for poster displays.

It also directed officials to remove posters that had been placed indiscriminately around the state.

The move was presented at the time as part of efforts to control the appearance of public spaces and prevent buildings and other facilities from being covered with political and commercial posters.

There is also a previous position by the Kano State Signage and Advertisement Agency that political parties should have access to outdoor advertising spaces.

In September 2025, the agency said it would provide equal opportunity to political parties and other interest groups ahead of the 2027 elections.

Its Director-General, Kabiru Dakata, stated that both ruling and opposition parties would be allowed to display campaign messages as long as they complied with the agency’s regulations.

The agency had also explained that its responsibility included regulating outdoor advertising, controlling billboard activities and ensuring that advertisements complied with relevant rules.

That earlier assurance has added weight to the fresh allegation because the ADC is now claiming that it has been unable to mount campaign billboards in the state.

Yakasai urged political leaders to exercise restraint in dealing with opposition parties.

He warned against actions that could be interpreted as an attempt to silence or disadvantage political opponents.

He also appealed to Governor Yusuf to consider the consequences of political decisions and remember that those in government would eventually leave office.

“This injustice will not be overlooked by Allah,” Yakasai warned, adding, “Let us fear the wrath of Allah.”

The allegation has not, however, been independently established, and the reason for the reported restriction remains unclear.

Nevertheless, The governor’s Director of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, was unavailable for comment on the allegation as of press time.