From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
A group under the auspices of the Southern Kaduna Trailblazing Women Association, SOKATWA, has declared total support for all female aspirants from Southern Kaduna and beyond seeking elective offices in the 2027 general elections, irrespective of political party affiliation.
The declaration was contained in a statement signed by the Association’s President, Mrs. Belinda Augustine Istifanus, and made available to reporters in Kaduna on Friday, 9th May 2026.
Mrs. Istifanus said the move became necessary due to the persistent political marginalization, systemic exclusion, and underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where women continue to face enormous barriers despite their contributions to development, peace-building, and economic growth.
Speaking at the Association’s quarterly strategic meeting, Mrs. Istifanus stated that the time has come for society to move beyond rhetoric and deliberately create political spaces for competent, visionary, and capable women to contribute meaningfully to governance and nation-building.
“Women have consistently demonstrated exceptional capacity in leadership, conflict resolution, resource management, community development, and humanitarian service, yet they remain grossly underrepresented in political offices due to deeply entrenched cultural, financial, and institutional obstacles,” she said.
She added that women are not only builders of homes but also builders of societies and custodians of the collective future. “Their inclusion in governance will undoubtedly bring compassion, accountability, inclusiveness, stability, and developmental progress to our communities,” Mrs. Istifanus stated.
The SOKATWA president called on political parties, stakeholders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, elected officials, and all lovers of democracy to intentionally support female participation in politics by creating enabling environments for women to contest and thrive politically.
She urged political parties, especially within Southern Kaduna, to demonstrate genuine commitment to gender inclusion by reserving and ceding at least 30% of elective positions and party opportunities to women in line with global democratic best practices and affirmative action principles.
Mrs. Istifanus assured all female aspirants of the Association’s unwavering support and solidarity throughout the electoral process. “As an organization, we are fully committed to mobilizing, sensitizing, and encouraging women and youths across communities to support credible female candidates irrespective of political party differences. This movement is beyond politics; it is about justice, inclusion, fairness, and building a better society for future generations,” she said.
She also urged women across all local government areas to take advantage of the window provided by INEC to register and obtain their Permanent Voter’s Card, describing it as the only weapon to effect positive change in society.
SOKATWA celebrated the courage and resilience of the growing number of women who have stepped forward to contest various elective positions ahead of the 2027 elections. The aspirants include Hon. Munira Suleiman Tanimu for Lere East Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly; Mercy Aaron Kolo for Kaura Federal Constituency; Fauziyya Isa Hassan for Kaduna North Federal Constituency; Grace Ndi Bamaiyi for Zango Constituency; and Patience Luka for Zonkwa Constituency.
Others are Joyce Viyanto Antoza II Ibrahim for Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency; Maryam Baba for Kaduna South Federal Constituency; Amanda Tanko Usman for Kachia Constituency; Blessing David for Chikun Constituency; Nita Byack George for Zango/Jaba Federal Constituency; Hawwa A. Gambo for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency; and Tabitha Timothy for Kauru Federal Constituency.
Mrs. Istifanus called on all political actors, community leaders, civil society organizations, youths, women groups, and the general public to rally around these women to support the emergence of a more inclusive, equitable, and progressive political system.
“SOKATWA firmly believes that increasing women’s representation in governance will not only deepen democracy but will also usher in a new era of responsible leadership, social justice, unity, sustainable development, and people-oriented governance across Southern Kaduna and Nigeria at large,” she said.
“A better, stronger, safer, and more prosperous Southern Kaduna is possible when women are allowed to lead and contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes,” Mrs. Istifanus added.
