KANO — Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District, Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, has declared that weapons, political thuggery and illicit drugs will have no place in his campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kawu, who condemned the growing use of violence and substance abuse in Nigerian politics, said he would not tolerate the recruitment or mobilisation of youths for violent activities during his campaign.
The senator spoke on Sunday while presenting his scorecard to journalists at a forum organised by the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He said the use of weapons, political thugs and illicit drugs during electioneering was dangerous to lives and property, while also undermining the credibility of the democratic process.
According to him, political contests should be driven by competing ideas, policies and records rather than intimidation, violence or the manipulation of vulnerable youths.
Kawu also warned politicians against treating young Nigerians as expendable tools for electoral battles, stressing that mobilising youths for violence could have serious consequences for the future of the country.
He said his campaign ahead of the 2027 elections would be anchored on peaceful engagement, issue-based politics and direct interaction with voters.
The senator urged political parties and candidates to make their records, programmes and policy proposals the focus of their campaigns instead of relying on inflammatory rhetoric and violent mobilisation.
Kawu further called on security agencies, political parties and community leaders to intensify efforts to prevent the circulation of weapons and illicit drugs as the 2027 elections approach.
He said Nigerians deserved an electoral environment where candidates could canvass for votes without fear, while voters were allowed to freely make their choices without intimidation or coercion.
