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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Southern Kaduna Peoples’ United Associations (SOKAPU) has declared that political candidates seeking the collective support of the people of Southern Kaduna in the 2027 general election must first sign a written social and political contract. The contract outlines concrete commitments to security, equitable representation, infrastructure development and respect for traditional institutions.
The association made its position known on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at a press conference organised with its Community Development Associations (CDAs) Standing Committee at its secretariat in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna. It was led by the national president, Engr. Tabara Samuel Kato, alongside Comrade Manasseh Mamman. SOKAPU described the proposal as “a social contract, not a campaign promise” and said no candidate for any elective office would automatically enjoy its support without endorsing it.
“Political support will no longer be given on the basis of promises, party loyalty or ethnic sentiment. It will be earned, through written, measurable and accountable commitments,” the association declared, adding: “No contract, no bloc vote.”
It cited persistent insecurity, displacement of rural communities, alleged political marginalisation, unequal distribution of infrastructure and interference in traditional institutions as the region’s longstanding challenges. Communities in Zangon Kataf, Kauru, Kaura, Jema’a, Kagarko, Kachia and Kajuru, it said, have endured repeated attacks, banditry and destruction of livelihoods. “Our people have paid for insecurity with blood and livelihood,” it lamented, noting that farmers who once contributed significantly to national food production have abandoned their farmlands.
SOKAPU also complained of the historical underrepresentation of Southern Kaduna in key appointments and the lopsided distribution of roads, hospitals and schools. It accused successive authorities of weakening grassroots governance and renewed its call for the creation of Gurara State from Kaduna State.
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The association set five conditions to be endorsed through a Memorandum of Understanding. The first is a Security First Clause, requiring documented and time-bound commitments to end rural attacks and secure farming communities within the first 100 days in office.
The second is an Equity and Inclusion Guarantee for proportional representation in executive councils, boards and the civil service. The third is an Infrastructure and Reconstruction Bond, backed by a dedicated development fund or prioritised budgetary allocations.
The fourth is respect for the region’s identity, including restoration of chiefdoms to their pre-2015 status and legislative backing for the proposed Gurara State. The fifth is Periodic Accountability Town Halls, in which elected officials would face mid-term assessments, with public denunciation as a possible consequence for those who fail to honour their commitments.
SOKAPU further demanded deliberate policies for women and young people, including women-led economic empowerment and safety initiatives, as well as youth employment and skills acquisition schemes. It stressed that its demands were not directed against any party, candidate, religious group or region. “SOKAPU is not against any party, candidate, or region. We are for justice, security, equity, and development,” it said.
The union assured that any candidate, regardless of party, faith or background, who signs the agreement and honours it would enjoy its support. “We will support any candidate of any party, faith, or background who signs this contract and honours it. And we will hold accountable, publicly and firmly, any candidate who signs it and breaks it,” it added, concluding: “Southern Kaduna will no longer vote on promises. We will vote on a contract.”
