Elder Yusuf Solomon Danbaki
The recent wave of Southern Kaduna politicians defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked significant discourse across the region. While political defection is not a crime, it is, after all, a democratic right for individuals to align with any political platform of their choice, the reasons behind such movements must be scrutinized. For the people of Southern Kaduna, the ultimate question should not be about the party but about the actualization of their dreams and yearnings. The youths of Southern Kaduna are now more politically enlightened than ever, they understand the difference between what is their right and what is a privilege. They are no longer willing to settle for crumbs when they deserve the full loaf.
Political parties are merely platforms for achieving broader goals. What matters most is whether these platforms can deliver the political power and representation that Southern Kaduna rightly deserves. For decades, the region has been treated like second-class citizens in their own fatherland. This must end. The movement of our politicians to the APC should not be a mere change of party affiliation; it must translate into tangible political gains for the people. If this movement does not result in negotiating political power from a position of strength, sitting at the table rather than receiving instructions from the floor, then it is not worth it.
We have already wasted years in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), negotiating from the floor and settling for less. From 1999, Southern Kaduna was reduced to accepting deputy governor positions and a minister as compensation for their blog votes, it has been our highest political achievements. Our parents were proud of these crumbs for years, until the APC further diminished our political relevance, reducing us to the position of a commissioner as our highest office. This is unacceptable. The time has come for us to demand more. Thank you for all the Federal institutions but like Oliver Twist we need more because we deserve more.
As our politicians move to the APC, we must ask critical questions: Will this new bride concede to a zoning arrangement that guarantees Southern Kaduna the chance to produce a governor in 2031? Will they ensure that in 2027, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, a Minister to the Federal Government, the Secretary to the Government, or the Head of Service is zoned to Southern Kaduna? Will 40% of commissioner and permanent secretary positions be allocated to our region as a sign of recognition? These are not mere requests; they are demands for equity and fairness. If Southern Kaduna is granted the governorship in 2031, we will reciprocate by ensuring other zones get their fair share. Zoning is not cheating; it is a sign of political maturity and a recipe for peaceful coexistence.
We must learn from history. In 2003, Governor Ahmed Makarfi was rejected in Zaria due to the Buhari tsunami, but Southern Kaduna overwhelmingly voted for him. The payback was the denial of Senator Isaiah Balat’s chance to pick the PDP ticket after Makarfi’s tenure. This must not repeat itself. Zoning is not a sign of weakness; it is a strategic tool for ensuring fairness and inclusivity in governance. We cannot afford to be shortchanged again.
The office of the deputy governor is not a position to be proud of; it is mainly for political calculation for winning elections. It is not one of the three arms of government, and we must not settle for it. Southern Kaduna deserves to head an arm of government, the executive, the legislature of Judiciary not to keep deputizing in the executive arm. Politics, like the court, is not a father Christmas. No one will give you what you did not ask for. Our politicians must negotiate from a position of strength and ensure that the region’s interests are prioritized.
To my brothers moving to the APC, I offer this advice: take this as a call to action, not as an attack. The people of Southern Kaduna are watching closely. If this movement does not translate into complete political emancipation, we will not hesitate to explore alternative platforms that meet our expectations. We are no longer willing to beg for endorsements or settle for less. Southern Kaduna deserves its rightful place in the political landscape of Kaduna State and Nigeria at large. Let us not allow history to repeat itself. The time for total freedom is now!
Elder Yusuf Solomon Danbaki, A Voice for Southern Kaduna’s Political Emancipation
