Rabiu Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to reject divisive politics and demand competent leadership ahead of the 2027 [1] general elections.
The call comes as rights groups warn that sectarian tensions and hate speech could undermine the stability of the upcoming electoral cycle.
Kwankwaso, the former Kano State governor and Vice-Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), released his statement on Aug. 10 [2]. He emphasized that the nation must move beyond identity-based conflict to ensure a peaceful transition of power.
"We must reject divisive politics and demand competent leadership for the benefit of all Nigerians," Kwankwaso said [1].
The politician addressed tensions within his home region, noting that the people of Kano do not support rhetoric that splits the country. "Kano people reject any remarks that sow division among Nigerians," Kwankwaso said [2].
His comments follow warnings from other institutional bodies regarding the political climate. A spokesperson for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said that divisive politics fuels hate speech and threatens the integrity of the 2027 [3] polls [3].
ActionAid and the NHRC have both raised concerns over the rise of hate speech and disputes as parties begin to mobilize. These organizations suggest that without a concerted effort to curb sectarian rhetoric, the risk of violence during the campaign period increases [3].
Kwankwaso's push for competence over division reflects a broader effort by some political figures to shift the national conversation toward governance, and service delivery, rather than ethnic or religious affiliation [1].
“"We must reject divisive politics and demand competent leadership for the benefit of all Nigerians."”
The statements from Kwankwaso and the NHRC highlight a growing anxiety over the volatility of Nigeria's political discourse. By framing the 2027 election around 'competence' rather than sectarian identity, political actors are attempting to mitigate the risk of civil unrest in highly contested regions like Kano State.
