By Abdullahi Alhassan
Kaduna, Nigeria, May 11, 2026(Series News Online)-The Southern Kaduna Trailblazing Women Association, SOKATWA, has pledged support for female aspirants seeking elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, regardless of party affiliation.
The association said the initiative was designed to boost women’s participation in governance and address the persistent underrepresentation of women in politics, especially across Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at SOKATWA’s quarterly strategic meeting in Southern Kaduna, the association’s President, Mrs. Belinda Augustine Istifanus, said women had consistently demonstrated leadership in community development, peace building, and public service.
“Women have continued to demonstrate leadership capacity in community development, peace building, and public service, but they still face significant barriers in the political space,” she said.
Mrs. Istifanus called on political parties, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to create an enabling environment for women to contest elective offices.
“Political parties should demonstrate a stronger commitment to gender inclusion by giving women more opportunities within party structures and in elective positions,” she stated.
She also urged women across Southern Kaduna to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, describing voter participation as vital to strengthening democracy.
“Voter participation is important to strengthening democracy and promoting inclusive governance,” Mrs. Istifanus said.
The association assured female aspirants of backing through advocacy, sensitisation, and community mobilisation ahead of the elections.
SOKATWA further acknowledged several women who have indicated interest in contesting elective positions in Kaduna State and beyond in 2027.
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.
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politics