SOKAPU sets 5 conditions for candidates seeking Southern Kaduna votes

The Southern Kaduna Peoples' United Associations (SOKAPU) has warned political parties and candidates seeking its support in the 2027 general elections that they must sign a written agreement committing to security, equitable appointments and infrastructure development or forfeit its collective votes.

The association declared that it would no longer support candidates based on political party loyalty, ethnic sentiments or campaign promises, insisting that political support must be earned through measurable and enforceable commitments.

Its National President, Engr. Tabara Samuel Kato, made the position known at a press conference at the SOKAPU Secretariat, alongside Comrade Manasseh Mamman and leaders of its Community Development Associations Standing Committee.

The association announced a new political position under which candidates seeking the support of Southern Kaduna people for presidential, governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and state assembly elections must sign a Social and Political Contract with the organisation.

“No contract, no block vote,” SOKAPU declared.
It said the decision followed years of insecurity, displacement, political marginalisation and inadequate infrastructure across communities in Zangon Kataf, Kauru, Kaura, Jema'a, Kagarko, Kachia, Kajuru and other parts of Southern Kaduna.

According to the association, repeated attacks have resulted in loss of lives, abandonment of farms, destruction of settlements and failure to rebuild some displaced communities.

It lamented that insecurity had prevented farmers from returning to their lands, weakening the area's agricultural economy and worsening poverty in a region it described as once being a major food basket of the country.

SOKAPU also accused successive administrations of marginalising Southern Kaduna in political appointments and the distribution of infrastructure projects.
It said roads, healthcare facilities and schools had been distributed unevenly, while reconstruction efforts in communities affected by attacks remained slow.

The association further expressed concern over what it described as interference in traditional institutions, including the downgrading of chiefdoms and distortion of traditional structures.
It also criticised what it called the deliberate circumvention and underfunding of local government administration, warning that weakening grassroots institutions would undermine development.

“When grassroots institutions are weakened, grassroots development dies,” the association maintained.
SOKAPU also raised concerns over the stalled agitation for the creation of Gurara State from Kaduna State, despite what it described as the existence of constitutional provisions for state creation.

It warned that continued displacement and occupation of abandoned communities could permanently alter the demographic and cultural identity of Southern Kaduna.
The group also expressed fears that politicians would return during election campaigns with ethnic appeals and token gifts to secure block votes without addressing the region's longstanding challenges.

It said Southern Kaduna risked remaining a voting bloc for political interests without receiving a fair share of executive appointments, legislative influence and development.
To address these concerns, the association outlined five conditions that candidates must formally endorse in a memorandum of understanding with SOKAPU and leaders of its constituent communities.

The first is a Security First Clause, requiring candidates to commit to ending rural attacks, protecting farming communities and deploying actionable intelligence and security personnel to vulnerable areas within their first 100 days in office.
It also demands permanent and responsive security outposts across vulnerable corridors, alongside properly funded programmes to enable internally displaced persons to return home, resettle and rebuild their ancestral communities.

The second condition, the Equity and Inclusion Guarantee, requires candidates to adopt a written quota system for appointments into state and federal executive councils, boards and civil service leadership positions to ensure proportional representation.
The third is an Infrastructure and Reconstruction Bond, which requires a dedicated Southern Kaduna Development Fund or prioritised budgetary allocation for rebuilding schools, primary healthcare centres, rural roads, bridges and farm-to-market routes destroyed during years of crisis.

Under the fourth condition, Respect for Self-Determination, Identity and Freedom of Regional Association, candidates must provide written support for restoring Southern Kaduna chiefdoms to their status before the 2015 general elections.
The demand also includes freedom of regional association for traditional rulers, preservation of chiefdoms, protection of cultural identity and legislative support for boundary adjustments and the creation of Gurara State.

The fifth condition is Periodic Accountability Town Halls, under which elected officials would participate in performance assessments conducted by SOKAPU, Community Development Associations and civil society organisations.
The association said candidates must agree to mid-term performance audits, with provisions for public denunciation if they fail to honour their commitments.

Beyond the five conditions, SOKAPU identified broader policy priorities, including equitable development, transparent budgeting, rehabilitation of rural roads, local government autonomy, true federalism and greater inclusion of women and young people.
It also called for women-led economic, educational and safety initiatives, as well as employment and skills acquisition programmes for youths.

The association, however, clarified that its position was not directed against any political party, candidate, religion or region.
“SOKAPU is not against any party, candidate or region, but is for justice, security, equity and development,” it said.
It added that it would support any candidate, regardless of political affiliation, religion or background, who signed the agreement and demonstrated commitment to implementing its provisions.

However, the association warned that candidates who signed the pact but failed to fulfil their promises would be held publicly accountable.

The declaration signals a shift in SOKAPU's approach to political engagement ahead of the 2027 elections, with the association seeking to make security, representation, infrastructure and accountability central to negotiations with candidates seeking support across Southern Kaduna.