Alleged opposition suppression: Kano dismisses Galadima’s claims

2026-03-01 - 06:56

By Bashir Bello The Kano State Government has dismissed as reckless and politically motivated the allegations by Buba Galadima accusing Governor Abba Yusuf and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano of suppressing opposition voices. In a statement made available to newsmen, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, described the claims as baseless, noting that Galadima’s recent outburst and media campaign were driven by personal grievance. Waiya said the government remains open to constructive criticism and committed to protecting fundamental rights, but stressed that freedom of expression does not extend to defamation, incitement, or the deliberate spread of falsehood capable of threatening public peace. According to him, “The Kano State Government has taken note of the recent interview granted by Alhaji Buba Galadima in which he peddled a string of reckless and unfounded allegations against the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the Director of the DSS in Kano, falsely claiming suppression of opposition voices. “We state without hesitation that these allegations are false, malicious and politically contrived. They are a desperate attempt to malign the integrity of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and sow discord within Kano State.” He added that similar claims surfaced after the governor’s defection to the All Progressives Congress and that Galadima’s renewed criticism followed his removal as Chairman of the Board of Kano State Polytechnic, which he said was based strictly on administrative considerations. “It is therefore evident that his current media campaign is driven by bitterness and personal grievance rather than any genuine concern for democracy or civil liberties,” Waiya said. The commissioner maintained that the state government has never directed security agencies to harass or intimidate political opponents, describing such claims as deliberately misleading. “Security agencies, including the DSS, operate strictly within the ambit of the law and their constitutional mandates. Any suggestion that the Kano State Government controls or manipulates federal security institutions is incorrect,” he said. Waiya also expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of misinformation on social media by individuals seeking attention or political relevance. He reiterated that the administration of Governor Yusuf remains committed to inclusivity, accountability and respect for the rule of law, while warning against the spread of misinformation capable of undermining public order. The government, he added, will continue to support security agencies in maintaining law and order and protecting the rights of residents across Kano State.