Post by Kennedy (@Yibin)

Has Southern Kaduna healed enough to move beyond religious politics in 2027?

I came across this question during an interview hosted by Vimbai, and it made me reflect on the political journey of Southern Kaduna. As someone from the region and a keen observer of its political landscape, I would say that Southern Kaduna is gradually healing from the divisions of the past.

In my view, Southern Kaduna has historically not been defined by religious politics. For many years, the region's voting pattern was largely shaped by party affiliation, with the area consistently serving as a stronghold of the PDP. People generally voted for the party's candidates at the gubernatorial, senatorial, and presidential levels, regardless of their religious background.

The 2019 elections, however, marked a significant turning point. It was not simply the choice of a Muslim-Muslim ticket that generated concern for many people in Southern Kaduna. Rather, it was the broader perception of exclusion, the divisive rhetoric that created an "us versus them" narrative, and policies that many believed failed to reflect the diversity of Kaduna State. These developments deepened existing tensions and left many people in Southern Kaduna feeling marginalized and overlooked, particularly in terms of inclusion and infrastructure development.

Since assuming office, Governor Uba Sani has, in my opinion, taken deliberate steps to rebuild trust across the state. Through both his public engagements and policy direction, he has projected a message of inclusion, reconciliation, and unity. While opinions will naturally differ on the extent of his achievements, there is a growing perception among many people in Southern Kaduna that his administration has made genuine efforts to reconnect with communities that previously felt excluded.

Looking ahead to 2027, I do not believe religion will be the dominant factor shaping electoral decisions in Southern Kaduna. Neither do I think traditional bloc voting alone will determine the outcome. Instead, I believe many voters will assess leaders based on performance, inclusion, and whether they genuinely stood with the people. As the popular saying goes, "dey for who dey for you."

If voters compare their experiences under the previous administration with what they have seen over the past three years, those perceptions are likely to influence their choices. Southern Kaduna people, in my experience, appreciate leaders who demonstrate respect, fairness, and a genuine commitment to their well-being. Ultimately, the electorate will decide based on who they believe has earned their trust.

I am not a politician, nor do I claim to speak for everyone in Southern Kaduna. This is simply my personal opinion as a son of the soil and someone who closely follows the political developments in the region.

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