Kano CSO Coalition Disowns Protest Group, Warns Against Politicisation of Anti-Corruption Campaign
A coalition of over 200 civil society organisations in Kano State has distanced itself from a recent protest staged by five self-styled groups under the name Forum of Kano CSOs Against Corruption, describing the action as politically motivated and unrepresentative of the civil society community in the state.
In a statement signed by its Convener, Hassan Ibrahim Gama, and Co-Convener, Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma, the Patriotic Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (PCCSOs), said its attention was drawn to a publication dated September 4, 2025, which reported that a coalition of CSOs had staged a “protest and solidarity walk” against corruption in Kano.
The PCCSOs, which consists of 201 recognised organisations, clarified that the so-called forum is not known to the Kano CSO family and lacks the mandate to speak on behalf of the people of the state.
The coalition said the protest organisers deliberately misrepresented themselves as speaking for the broader CSO constituency in Kano.
“The so-called ‘Forum of Kano CSOs Against Corruption’ is not a recognised coalition within the Kano CSO family. Their protest does not represent the collective position of the civil society community in Kano State. It is misleading to claim to speak for ‘the people of Kano’ without the mandate of the broader CSO constituency,” the statement read.
The PCCSOs faulted the protesters’ sweeping allegations against some public officials and the Kano State Government, stressing that they remain allegations yet to be proven in court.
“We categorically state that these remain allegations, not established facts. Anti-graft agencies are still investigating the issues, and no court of competent jurisdiction has found the accused persons guilty. It is therefore irresponsible for any group to pass judgment prematurely and mislead the public,” the coalition stated.
Contrary to the protesters’ claims, the coalition highlighted what it described as significant measures taken by the Kano State Government to ensure accountability and transparency. These include:
Full compliance with external audits and fiscal reporting
Adoption of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to reduce leakages
Establishment of procurement monitoring units and anti-corruption desks across ministries
Open budgeting process with CSO participation in budget tracking
Regular CSO–government engagement on service delivery in education, health, water, social protection, and climate change
The PCCSOs noted that these initiatives demonstrate government’s commitment to accountability and should not be dismissed by “selective narratives.”
Palliatives and Development Projects
On allegations of diversion of palliatives and misuse of development funds, the coalition said some isolated cases were being investigated but insisted it was misleading to generalise them as systemic.
It also pointed to progress recorded in road rehabilitation, school renovations, and healthcare support, which civil society organisations have independently documented.
The coalition dismissed claims of harassment of CSOs and media practitioners, stressing that the Kano State Government continues to provide an enabling environment for civil society and the press.
“Members of civil society are part of government committees and oversight platforms — evidence that civic space remains open,” it added.
The coalition reiterated its support for the EFCC, ICPC, and other oversight bodies, urging them to continue their work diligently. However, it rejected what it described as attempts to politicise the anti-corruption fight.
“True accountability must be based on evidence, due process, and constructive engagement — not sensational protests. Our forum frowns at any form of harassment and urges any CSO that experienced harassment to show evidence in a transparent manner,” the statement read.
The PCCSOs reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that public resources are used transparently and accountably for the development of Kano State. It stressed that culprits must face the law wherever wrongdoing is proven but cautioned against smear campaigns and politically driven activism.
“The fight against corruption in Kano State requires unity, responsibility, and integrity among all stakeholders. We urge the general public to disregard any attempt to use the civil society space for political grandstanding or to malign individuals without due process. Our collective focus must remain on strengthening institutions, protecting public resources, and ensuring that the dividends of governance reach the people,” the coalition concluded.
The statement was endorsed by 201 CSOs across Kano State, including groups working in education, health, women and youth empowerment, climate change, and community development.
