Yakasai Accuses Kano Government of Blocking ADC Campaign Billboards

Prominent African Democratic Congress (ADC) member Salihu Tanko Yakasai has accused the Kano State Government of preventing the opposition party from erecting campaign billboards across the state.

Yakasai made the allegation in a statement shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday, claiming that the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had restricted the ADC’s use of billboards for political activities.

“I never imagined that the kind of oppression the APC is accused of carrying out in some states could happen in Kano,” Yakasai said. He alleged that the ADC had been prevented from putting up campaign billboards across the state.

Kano has previously imposed restrictions on indiscriminate outdoor advertising and poster pasting. In June 2023, the state government directed individuals and organisations to use approved billboards and electronic platforms for displaying posters.

The state also has a formal signage registration system. Guidelines published by the Kano State Investment Promotion Agency say outdoor advertising structures, including billboards, require registration and approval, while applications are subject to review, site inspection and applicable fees.

Yakasai, however, did not specify whether the alleged restriction was based on the state’s general advertising regulations or whether the ADC had been singled out. Available reporting has not independently established that the government imposed a specific ban on the party.

The ADC chieftain urged Governor Yusuf and other political leaders to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could be perceived as suppressing opposition voices. He also reminded the governor that political power is temporary and subject to change.

Kano State’s signage agency had previously said political parties would be given equal opportunities to display campaign messages provided they complied with applicable regulations. In 2025, the agency said both ruling and opposition parties would be treated equally under its rules.

The Director of Media and Publicity to Governor Yusuf, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, was unavailable for comment on the allegation as of press time. The state government has not publicly responded to Yakasai’s latest claim.