The Kano Non-Indigenous Youths Assembly (KNIYA), a socio-political coalition representing non-indigenous youth communities across Kano State, has thrown its weight behind Deputy Senate President Senator Barau as their preferred candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election.
This was contained in the communique which was released at the end of the group’s first General Assembly for the year signed by the General Secretary, Mr. Usman Abdullahi.
The formidable youth coalition group also issued a scathing critique of the Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf-led administration, accusing it of incompetence, exclusionary governance, and economic mismanagement.
According to KNIYA, the current administration in Kano, under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has not only failed to meet the aspirations of the people but has also alienated a significant segment of the population, especially—the non-indigenous residents.
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The lamented that despite being a sizable voting bloc that supported the NNPP during the 2023 elections, the Assembly said their communities have been marginalized and stripped of any meaningful representation in government.
“Kano, once a beacon of grassroots democracy and development, has become a symbol of administrative recklessness, insecurity, and economic stagnation under the NNPP,” the communique reads.
The Assembly also decried the government’s handling of state resources, criticized its approach to urban demolitions that affected thousands of traders, and noted the complete absence of youth-oriented or inclusive policies.
However, as a solution to what it described as “worsening governance,” KNIYA unanimously endorsed Senator Barau I. Jibril for the 2027 Kano gubernatorial race.
The group praised the Deputy Senate President’s track record in legislative leadership, youth empowerment, and his inclusive approach to politics.
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“Senator Barau is a bridge-builder and a detribalized Nigerian. He has empowered youths across all 44 local governments of Kano, including our non-indigenous members,” the Assembly stated.
Citing numerous constituency projects, support for vulnerable groups, and national recognition for his legislative work, KNIYA urged Senator Barau to heed the calls from the people and declare his ambition to run for governor in 2027.
In a show of national solidarity, the Assembly reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It commended the administration’s economic reforms and targeted interventions in youth development, MSME financing, and national unity.
“Though the reforms have come with challenges, they represent the kind of bold leadership needed to rebuild Nigeria,” the group said, voicing support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
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KNIYA concluded with a call to Kano’s youths—both indigenous and non-indigenous—and the wider Nigerian youth population to reject divisive and incompetent leadership.
The group urged civil society, political influencers, and traditional leaders to rally behind Senator Barau Jibril as the state’s best hope for transformation.
“We must not allow Kano to remain under the grip of political opportunists. The time for true leadership is now,” the communique concluded.