Southern Kaduna Muslim Group Seeks Inclusive Politics Ahead of 2027 Elections
By Sani Idris Abdulrahman
The Muslim Youth Foundation of Southern Kaduna (MYFOSKA) has called for inclusive politics, religious equity and equal opportunities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group said its position followed recent political developments, including the emergence of deputy governorship candidates by major political parties in Kaduna State.
In a statement issued to newsmen on Friday in Kaduna, MYFOSKA National Chairman, Dr. K. Muhammed, said public commentaries had created misconceptions about the position of the Southern Kaduna Muslim Ummah.
He clarified that the group’s concern was not the absence of Southern Kaduna representation in the office of the deputy governor.
Muhammed noted that the incumbent Deputy Governor, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, is from Sanga Local Government Area and a daughter of the Numana ethnic nationality in Southern Kaduna.
He described her appointment as a historic milestone that fulfilled the long-standing aspiration of Southern Kaduna Muslims for greater inclusion in Kaduna State governance.
According to him, the current concern centres on religious inclusion, equity and equal political opportunities rather than geographical representation.
He said Southern Kaduna is religiously and culturally diverse, with Muslims and Christians across virtually all ethnic nationalities contributing significantly to regional and state development.
Muhammed said the past eight years demonstrated the benefits of inclusive governance through improved confidence in public institutions and stronger peaceful coexistence among communities.
He added that political inclusion strengthened dialogue, moderation and mutual understanding, urging stakeholders to preserve and consolidate those achievements.
The chairman warned against narratives portraying any religious community as less deserving of leadership opportunities, saying such views could erode trust built over the years.
He cautioned that divisive narratives could reopen painful memories of ethno-religious conflicts previously experienced in Southern Kaduna communities.
Muhammed also criticised recent demographic claims suggesting Southern Kaduna constitutes about 56 per cent of Kaduna State’s population, describing them as unsubstantiated.
He said democracy is determined by votes freely cast by citizens rather than speculative statistics or divisive rhetoric, urging restraint from all stakeholders.
Muhammed observed that the three major political parties had nominated Christian deputy governorship candidates for the 2027 elections.
He said while political parties had constitutional rights to nominate candidates, citizens equally possessed democratic rights to decide where to invest their electoral support.
According to him, electoral support must be earned through fairness, inclusion, mutual respect and meaningful engagement with all constituencies.
Muhammed described the Southern Kaduna Muslim Ummah as a formidable political constituency with a record of peaceful participation, political maturity and responsible citizenship.
He said the community’s electoral contribution to democratic outcomes across Southern Kaduna should neither be underestimated nor taken for granted.
The chairman urged Southern Kaduna Muslims to remain peaceful, calm and law-abiding while sustaining dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence across Zones I and II.
He also called on political parties, candidates and stakeholders to engage sincerely with every religious and ethnic constituency in Southern Kaduna.
Muhammed maintained that inclusive politics remained the strongest foundation for sustainable peace, democratic stability and electoral success.
He said the Southern Kaduna Muslim Ummah would continue monitoring political developments before announcing its collective position on the 2027 general elections at the appropriate time.
(NAN)
