Non-indigenous youths in Kano back Barau for 2027 gov’ship, decry marginalisation under Abba Yusuf

The Kano Non-Indigenous Youths Assembly (KNIYA) has thrown its weight behind Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibril, urging him to contest the 2027 gubernatorial election in Kano State.

In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of its inaugural general assembly held in Kano on Saturday, the group accused the current administration led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of marginalising non-indigenous residents and failing to deliver on campaign promises.

The communique, signed by the Assembly’s General Secretary, Usman Abdullahi, and made available to PlatinumPost on Tuesday, expressed disappointment with Governor Yusuf’s performance since assuming office in 2023. It alleged that the non-indigenous community, despite supporting him at the polls, has been neglected and treated as “second-class citizens.”

“The non-Indigenous Nigerian group of various ethnic nationalities form a huge voting bloc of the population; this voting bloc has always voted in a single file behind a candidate. We gave our votes to the NNPP during the last elections and true to their character, they have succeeded in alienating the non-indigenous group, most of whom are bona-fide citizens having been born in Kano.

” According to the Nigerian constitution, every citizen of the country is free to live and work anywhere within the geographical location of Nigeria and be treated equally like every other citizen. The situation is different with the NNPP led Government as it treats this people group like second rate citizens and as a result there is no policy thrust targeting them neither do they have any representation in government unlike in previous administration,” the communiqué stated.

It further criticised the administration for its handling of governance, accusing it of reversing progress made by past governments.

“The government of Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, rather than consolidating on the progress made by previous administrations, has embarked on a retrogressive trajectory. From reckless demolitions that displaced thousands of traders and small business owners, to poor handling of state resources, lack of infrastructural development, and an alarming rise in insecurity, the NNPP-led administration has failed woefully on all fronts. This failure, we assert, is not just unprecedented but unmitigated. Kano State has been taken ten steps backward, and her citizens are the ultimate victims,” the group stated.

As a solution, KNIYA called on Senator Barau Jibril to enter the 2027 governorship race, describing him as the right leader to steer the state towards progress.

“In view of the prevailing conditions and in our collective quest for a renewed and prosperous Kano, the Assembly has resolved to endorse the candidacy of the incumbent Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I. Jibril, to contest the 2027 Gubernatorial Election in Kano State.Senator Barau is a proven leader, a man of integrity, and a seasoned lawmaker with an illustrious legislative record that spans over a decade in the National Assembly. A detribalized Nigerian and bridge-builder, Senator Barau’s inclusive leadership style, deep understanding of the needs of Kano State, and vast national and international networks make him the ideal candidate to take Kano into a future of hope, growth, and unity.”

The group also reaffirmed its support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing alignment with his reform agenda.
While urging Senator Barau to respond to their call and officially declare his intention to contest, the group said, the Assembly reiterated its full commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, saying the bold reforms and decisive leadership are gradually reshaping the nation’s economic and governance architecture.