Bomba Dauda
The Southern Kaduna Renaissance Front (SKRF) has resolved to push for stronger political participation and equitable representation ahead of the 2027 general elections. This was the outcome of its 2025 Young Persons Political Conference held in Kaduna on Wednesday, September 17, under the chairmanship of Builder Dr. Monday Barau Madaki, FNIOB.
With the theme “Charting a Path to 2027: Alignment or Opposition to the Centre,” the conference brought together young leaders, community representatives, and stakeholders. Deliberations were led by Dr. Philibus Nwamagyi Audu and Mr. Luka Binniyat.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the conference made the following key resolutions:
- Identity and Population — Southern Kaduna reaffirmed itself as a socio-cultural entity comprising 12 local government areas, covering about 26,000 square kilometers—larger than Kano State. It rejected the notion of being a minority, citing the 2006 census which projects the region’s population at about 51.2% of Kaduna State.
- Zoning and Power Rotation — Participants rejected the existing three-zone structure in Kaduna State, demanding instead a two-zone arrangement (North and South) for political office distribution and governorship rotation, mirroring Nigeria’s presidential system.
- Political Contribution — Contrary to perceptions, the communiqué noted Southern Kaduna’s role in the APC’s victories in 2015 and 2019, with the region contributing over 40% and 30% of votes respectively in those elections.
- Recognition of Federal and State Projects — The conference acknowledged the federal and state governments for strategic appointments and key projects in the region, including the appointment of General Christopher Musa Gwabin as Chief of Defence Staff, the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, and the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan. However, it criticized the limited improvement in appointments under Governor Uba Sani and urged the state government to expand opportunities for the region before 2027.
- Debate on Alignment with the Centre — While opinions were divided, a majority of participants favored aligning with the centre to secure more political appointments and development projects. Others argued for maintaining a strategic opposition stance to strengthen the region’s bargaining power. The conference ultimately urged stakeholders to consider realigning political structures—from the State Assembly to the National Assembly—towards the centre ahead of 2027.
- Call to Legislators — The communiqué noted that despite PDP and Labour winning most legislative seats in 2023, many lawmakers have since realigned with the ruling party. It urged key figures such as Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, Hon. Dan Amos, and Hon. Ali Kalat to also consider alignment with the centre for the collective interest of the zone.
- 2027 Governorship Ambition — The conference called on Southern Kaduna people to pursue governorship tickets across all major parties in 2027, ensuring that at least one strong candidate emerges on the ballot.
The communiqué was signed by the convener, Comrade Sabastine Bahori Luka, the secretary, Pastor Jerome Waziri, and other participants.
