Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has denied any involvement in a recent incident in which women displayed red underwear at a rally held in honour of First Lady Remi Tinubu. Yusuf said the garments were shown without his knowledge or approval and condemned the act as culturally and religiously inappropriate.
The rally, organised by a youth group, featured a number of young women holding up red panties while chanting “Dankamfen Tsula,” a slogan interpreted by observers as a reference to former Kano governor and Yusuf’s political mentor, Rabiu Kwankwaso. The display quickly went viral on social media, prompting speculation that it was part of a women‑empowerment programme.
In a special prayer session at the Kano Government House, Governor Yusuf reiterated that he had not been briefed on the planned performance. “I was unaware of what was going to happen. I only learned of the incident after it occurred,” he told the assembled participants. “Such actions run contrary to our cultural values and the teachings of Islam, and they must be condemned.”
Yusuf said he had immediately summoned the participants after learning of the incident. The women, described by the governor as “repentant underwear campaigners,” were later seen reciting verses from the Holy Qur’an and offering supplications for forgiveness.
The episode follows earlier reports that Yusuf introduced Teema Cool, a prominent advocate for the “chief underwear” campaign, to the First Lady during the same event. Although the governor denied any endorsement of the red‑underwear display, the association raised additional questions about the nature of the rally’s messaging.
The incident underscores the sensitivities surrounding political symbolism and cultural norms in northern Nigeria. Authorities have not indicated any legal action against the participants, and the matter appears to have been addressed through religious counsel and public statements. Further clarification from the governor’s office on how such events are coordinated is expected as the discussion continues.
