Political communication through WhatsApp messaging has significantly influenced the political landscape in Kano State before and after the 2023 gubernatorial elections. This research delves into the complex nature of WhatsApp interactions between Kwankwasiyya and Gandujiyya supporters while awaiting the Supreme Court's ruling on the 2023 gubernatorial election in Kano State, with a focus on its security implications. The study aims to explore how supporters from both factions engaged in abusive exchanges on WhatsApp. The security implications of the content themes, language usage, and media format within these WhatsApp exchanges serve as the focal points of analysis. Data for this study were gathered from interviews and WhatsApp message content extracted from four groups, with two groups dedicated to each political faction. The research employs the social identity theory and spiral of silence theory to frame the analysis. The results uncover the prevalence of incendiary messages filled with hate speech within the selected WhatsApp groups, aimed at informing, misinforming, and disinforming members. This has escalated tensions in the political atmosphere of Kano, leading to notable security concerns. The study proposes the regulation and moderation of content shared on these political platforms to address security threats in Kano State.
Vol. 4, No 1, pp. 71-78.