Southern Kaduna Women Group Backs Female Aspirants Ahead of 2027 Elections

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

The Southern Kaduna Trailblazing Women Association (SOKATWA) has declared support for female aspirants seeking elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, irrespective of their political parties.

The association said the move was aimed at encouraging greater participation of women in governance and addressing what it described as the persistent underrepresentation of women in politics, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

Speaking during the association’s quarterly strategic meeting held in southern Kaduna state, the President of SOKATWA, Mrs Belinda Augustine Istifanus, said women had continued to demonstrate leadership capacity in community development, peacebuilding and public service, but still faced several barriers in the political space.

She called on political parties, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to support female participation in politics by creating an enabling environment for women to contest elective offices.

According to her, political parties should demonstrate stronger commitment to gender inclusion by giving women more opportunities in party structures and elective positions.

Mrs Istifanus also urged women across Southern Kaduna to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing voter participation as important to strengthening democracy and promoting inclusive governance.

The association assured female aspirants of support through advocacy, Sensitization and community mobilisation ahead of the elections.

SOKATWA also recognised several women who have indicated interest in contesting elective positions in Kaduna State and beyond ahead of the 2027 polls.

Among them are Hon. Munira Suleiman Tanimu for Lere East State Constituency, Mercy Aaron Kolo for Kaura Federal Constituency, Fauziyya Isa Hassan for Kaduna North Federal Constituency, Grace Ndi Bamaiyi for Zango State Constituency, Patience Luka for Zonkwa State Constituency, and Joyce Viyanto Antoza II Ibrahim for Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency.

Others include Maryam Baba for Kaduna South Federal Constituency, Amanda Tanko Usman for Kachia State Constituency, Blessing David for Chikun State Constituency, Nita Byack George for Zango/Jaba Federal Constituency, Hawwa A. Gambo for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, and Tabitha Timothy for Kauru Federal Constituency.

The association said increased participation of women in governance would strengthen democracy, promote inclusive leadership and contribute to sustainable development across Southern Kaduna and the country at large.