The pre-political season ahead of the 2027 elections is creating increased demand for printing and branding services in Kano.

A survey in Kano showed that political candidates, supporters, and interest groups had begun patronising printers and branding companies for promotional materials.

The materials include posters, banners, flyers, T-shirts, caps, stickers, vehicle branding, and souvenirs used during meetings, consultations, and other political activities.

A printer in the Sabon Gari area of Kano, Emmanuel Joseph, said the emerging political activities had increased patronage for his business.

“Before now, we mainly handled jobs for weddings, naming ceremonies, businesses, and other social events. But recently, politically related orders have started increasing.

“People are printing posters, T-shirts, caps, and banners for meetings and consultations,” he said.

Another printer in the Bombay area, Kamalu Musa, said the development was creating more work for graphic designers, machine operators, tailors, and other artisans linked to the printing and branding industry.

However, the rising cost of printing materials and other operational expenses has affected profit margins.

“We are getting more jobs, but the cost of materials has also increased. So, we have to balance the cost of production with what customers are willing to pay,” Mr Musa said.

A branding entrepreneur, Sani Bello, said the pre-political season had also increased demand for coordinated branding of political events.

According to him, customers now request backdrops, banners, branded clothing, caps, stickers and other promotional materials for political meetings and consultations.

He said the development had encouraged some operators to expand their services and invest in modern equipment to handle bulk and urgent orders.

The survey also showed that the increased patronage was benefiting other business sectors like tailoring, graphic design and transportation.

However, some residents expressed concern over the indiscriminate display of posters and banners, urging political groups to comply with relevant regulations.

A resident, Rabi Umar, called on political actors to avoid defacing public spaces with posters and other campaign materials.

Industry operators said the pre-political season was providing an important boost to the sector. However, they expected patronage to increase further as political parties and aspirants moved closer to the 2027 election campaigns.

(NAN)