Kano female governorship candidate Furera Ahmad pledges to tackle drug abuse and thuggery if elected in 2027, while urging voters to reject vote-buying
Furera Ahmad, the only female governorship candidate in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general election, has pledged to prioritise the fight against drug abuse and political thuggery if elected governor.
Also read: INEC Explains Exclusion of Pantami, Adebutu From 2027 List
Ahmad, who is contesting under the platform of the Because Of Our Tomorrow (BOOT) party, disclosed this during an interview in Kano on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
She said her agenda would focus particularly on women, children and young people, expressing concern about the growing challenge of drug abuse and the involvement of youths in acts of thuggery during election campaigns.
According to her, her experience as a mother gives her a better understanding of the challenges confronting families and the need for early intervention to prevent young people from engaging in harmful behaviour.
Ahmad criticised politicians who allegedly recruit young people for acts of thuggery, particularly during electioneering periods, sometimes under the influence of drugs.
She argued that women have an important role to play in addressing these challenges because of their close involvement in raising children and identifying behavioural changes within families.
“We are mothers who are always close to the women and children. We give them proper upbringing,” she said.
The candidate added that some parents, particularly fathers, might not recognise signs of drug abuse or troubling behaviour among their children until the situation becomes serious.
She said the challenges had become a major concern for community leaders and required deliberate efforts to address them.
Ahmad maintained that greater participation by women in politics could help bring a different perspective to tackling social problems affecting families and communities.
The BOOT party candidate expressed optimism about her chances in the 2027 governorship election, saying she was gaining support from women and other groups.
Although she is the only female governorship candidate in Kano, she said she remained confident about her ambition and the possibility of securing victory at the polls.
Her campaign priorities, as outlined during the interview, include addressing drug abuse, reducing political thuggery and improving the welfare of women, children and young people.
Ahmad also called on Nigerians to reject vote-buying and vote-selling, warning that accepting money or food items in exchange for votes could undermine their right to choose their preferred leaders.
She urged voters not to exchange their votes for items such as rice, spaghetti or small amounts of money.
“We should shun vote-buying, selling our votes because of spaghetti, rice, and token. We should not sell our franchise,” she said.
The candidate further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the 2027 elections are credible and transparent.
She said the electoral body should declare whoever legitimately wins the election, regardless of political affiliation.
Ahmad also encouraged voters to assess candidates based on competence rather than party affiliation, stressing the importance of making informed choices at the polls.
Also read: INEC Explains Exclusion of Pantami, Adebutu From 2027 List
Her comments come as political parties and aspirants begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general election, with issues including youth development, public safety and electoral integrity featuring in campaign discussions.
