SOKAPU Tasks Politicians On Social Contract For Southern Kaduna Votes In 2027

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA — The Southern Kaduna Peoples’ United-Associations (SOKAPU) has issued a stern ultimatum to politicians seeking electoral support ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the region will no longer deliver bloc votes based on empty campaign promises.

SOKAPU maintained  that candidates must sign a formal social and political contract demonstrating clear, measurable commitments to security, equitable political representation, infrastructure development, traditional institution reforms, and constitutional restructuring.

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​The declaration was made on Sunday, November 8, 2026, during a joint press conference held by SOKAPU and the leadership of its Community Development Associations (CDAs) Standing Committee at the association’s secretariat in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna.

​The briefing was addressed by SOKAPU National President Engr. Tabara Samuel Kato, alongside Comrade Manasseh Mamman.

​In a position document titled “SOKAPU’s Terms of Sociopolitical Engagement for the 2027 General Elections: A Social Contract, Not a Campaign Promise,” the association insisted that presidential, governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly candidates must endorse a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining specific commitments to the people.

​Reiterating the region’s firm stance, SOKAPU declared: “No contract, no block vote.”

​SOKAPU explained that the policy shift was driven by years of relentless insecurity, displacement, political marginalization, decaying infrastructure, and perceived interference with traditional institutions across Southern Kaduna.

​The association highlighted severe vulnerability in local government areas including Zangon Kataf, Kauru, Kaura, Jema’a, Kagarko, Kachia, and Kajuru, which have borne the brunt of recurring attacks, banditry, and mass displacement. 

According to SOKAPU, residents have paid for insecurity with “blood and livelihood,” with many ancestral settlements remaining unreconstructed or illegally occupied.

​Furthermore, the association accused successive administrations of failing to ensure equitable representation for Southern Kaduna in strategic government positions, fair distribution of development projects, and infrastructural investments. It also raised concerns regarding the downgrading of chiefdoms, interference in traditional structures, and stalled advocacy for the creation of Gurara State out of the present Kaduna State.

​The Five Conditions for Endorsement

​To earn the collective support of Southern Kaduna voters, candidates must formally accept and sign a five-point social contract:

​The Security First Clause: A binding commitment to end rural attacks, protect farming communities, and deploy adequate security personnel and actionable intelligence to vulnerable areas within the first 100 days in office.

​Equity and Inclusion Guarantee: A written assurance of fair representation for Southern Kaduna indigenes in state and federal executive councils, government boards, and civil service leadership.

​Infrastructure and Reconstruction Bond:

 A demand for a dedicated Southern

 Kaduna Development Fund or prioritized budgetary allocations to rebuild schools, primary healthcare centers, rural roads, and bridges destroyed by violence and neglect.

​Self-Determination, Identity, and Regional Association: Legislative backing for the creation of Gurara State, protection of cultural identity, and the unconditional restoration of Southern Kaduna chiefdoms to their pre-2015 status.

​Periodic Accountability Townhalls: Institutionalized regular performance assessments where elected representatives must answer directly to SOKAPU, CDAs, and civil society stakeholders.

​Broader Demands and Accountability

​Beyond the core conditions, SOKAPU called for permanent security outposts in vulnerable zones, properly funded Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) resettlement programs, comprehensive rehabilitation of rural roads, practical federalism, and full local government autonomy. It also emphasized the urgent need for youth and women empowerment, improved educational opportunities, and deliberate economic inclusion.

​Clarifying its stance, SOKAPU emphasized that its position is non-partisan and unbiased, welcoming candidates from any political party or religious background willing to sign and implement the agreement.

​However, the association delivered a strict warning regarding accountability:

​“And we will hold accountable, publicly and firmly, any candidate who signs it and breaks it.”

​Concluding its address, SOKAPU maintained that the 2027 polls will redefine political engagement in the region. “Southern Kaduna will no longer vote on promises. We will vote on a contract,” the association concluded.