A prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Salihu Tanko Yakasai, has accused the Kano State Government of stopping the party from putting up campaign billboards across the state. Yakasai made the allegation in a statement shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday, 23rd September 2026. He claimed that the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had prevented the ADC from using billboards to promote its political activities in Kano.
Kano State had earlier introduced regulations for outdoor advertising and the display of political posters. In June 2023, the state government announced restrictions on indiscriminate outdoor advertising and poster pasting. It directed individuals and organisations to use approved billboards and electronic platforms. However, it was not immediately clear whether the situation raised by Yakasai was related to the general advertising regulations or a specific restriction placed on the ADC.
Reacting to the alleged restriction, Yakasai expressed disappointment, saying he never expected such a situation to occur in Kano. “I never imagined that the kind of oppression the APC is accused of carrying out in some states could happen in Kano,” he said. Yakasai alleged that Governor Yusuf’s administration had prevented the ADC from erecting campaign billboards across the state.
Yakasai also urged the governor to remember that political power is temporary and that circumstances can change. He referred to Governor Yusuf’s past political experiences, noting that some of the people the governor previously accused of oppression are now under his authority. This, Yakasai suggested, should serve as a reminder for the governor to exercise restraint.
The ADC member called on political leaders to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could be interpreted as an attempt to suppress opposition parties. Yakasai's statement has sparked concerns about the state of democracy and political freedom in Kano. The issue has not been officially commented on by the Kano State Government.
The Director of Media and Publicity to Governor Yusuf, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, was unavailable for comment as of press time. The ADC has been vocal about its concerns regarding the alleged restriction, and the issue is likely to continue to generate debate in the coming days.
The situation has raised questions about the level of political tolerance in Kano and the ability of opposition parties to operate freely. Key stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and whether a resolution can be reached that allows the ADC to campaign freely.
Key points
- Salihu Tanko Yakasai accuses Kano State Government of banning ADC billboards.
- Kano State had introduced regulations for outdoor advertising and display of political posters in June 2023.
- Yakasai urges Governor Yusuf to exercise restraint and avoid suppressing opposition parties.
