…Lists 5 conditions; demands Security, Equity, Gurara State.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU) has declared that no candidate will get bloc vote of Southern Kaduna in the 2027 general elections without signing a binding social and political contract addressing insecurity, marginalisation, equitable development and other long-standing demands of the region.
The Union said it will no longer support candidates, based on party loyalty, campaign promises or ethnic sentiments, insisting that political support must now be earned through written, measurable and accountable commitments.
SOKAPU made its position known on Sunday during a press conference held in collaboration with the leadership of its Community Development Associations (CDAs) Standing Committee at its secretariat in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna.
The press conference was led by the National President of SOKAPU, Engr. Tabara Samuel Kato, alongside Comrade Manasseh Mamman.
Presenting its terms of socio-political engagement for 2027, SOKAPU declared that any candidate seeking the collective support of Southern Kaduna people, irrespective of political party, must formally endorse a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the organisation and leaders of its constituent communities.
It stated categorically that there would be no automatic bloc vote for any political party or candidate without the signing of the proposed agreement.
SOKAPU identified insecurity, displacement, alleged marginalisation in political appointments and infrastructure distribution, interference with traditional institutions, and the stalled agitation for the creation of Gurara State as major grievances affecting Southern Kaduna.
According to the association, communities across Zangon Kataf, Kauru, Kaura, Jema’a, Kagarko, Kachia and Kajuru have suffered persistent attacks, banditry and displacement, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of livelihoods and abandonment of farmlands.
It lamented that several affected communities were yet to be adequately reconstructed, while some displaced residents remained unable to return to their ancestral homes.
The association also expressed concern over what it described as historical under-representation of Southern Kaduna in key government appointments and the unequal distribution of capital projects, particularly roads, healthcare facilities and educational infrastructure.
On traditional institutions, SOKAPU called for an immediate reversal of what it described as arbitrary downgrading and interference with Southern Kaduna chiefdoms and traditional stools.
It further demanded constitutional and structural reforms, including support for the creation of Gurara State, practical federalism and full financial and administrative autonomy for Local Governments.
Outlining its five non-negotiable conditions for political support in 2027, SOKAPU placed security at the forefront:
“Security in First 100 Days: A documented and time-bound commitment to address rural attacks, protect farming communities and deploy effective security personnel and intelligence to vulnerable areas within the first 100 days in office.
“Equity and Inclusion: A written quota system for appointments into executive councils, government boards and civil service leadership positions to ensure proportional representation.
“Infrastructure: Establishment of a dedicated Southern Kaduna Development Fund or prioritised budgetary allocations to rebuild schools, primary healthcare centres, rural roads, bridges and other public infrastructure destroyed during years of insecurity.
“Traditional Institutions: Written commitments to restore the status of Southern Kaduna chiefdoms as they existed before the 2015 general elections, protect the cultural identity of the people and support freedom of regional association for traditional rulers.
“Gurara State and Reforms: Legislative and political backing for boundary adjustments and the creation of Gurara State,” it listed.
As part of its accountability framework, SOKAPU said candidates who sign the agreement must submit to periodic performance assessments, including mid-term accountability town hall meetings involving SOKAPU, CDAs and civil society organisations.
It warned that candidates, who fail to honour their commitments, would face public denunciation by the association.
The organisation also emphasised greater inclusion of women and young people in governance, demanding practical programmes focused on women’s economic empowerment, education, safety, youth employment and skills acquisition.
SOKAPU maintained that its position was not directed against any political party, candidate, religious group or region, stressing that its primary concern was justice, security, equity and sustainable development for Southern Kaduna.
It concluded that Southern Kaduna would no longer give its votes, based on political promises, declaring that candidates must demonstrate commitment to the people’s welfare through clear, measurable and enforceable agreements before receiving collective support in 2027.