The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) has raised a fresh alarm over what it describes as a calculated attempt to fracture the unity of the region. In a strongly worded statement released this week, SOKAPU leadership formally accused the Community Development Associations (CDAs) Forum of allegedly promoting internal divisions and undermining the collective interests of the Southern Kaduna people.
This internal friction comes at a delicate time as the region navigates complex security and political challenges ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
The Root of the Conflict
According to SOKAPU’s Acting President, the CDAs-Forum—which was originally intended to serve as a platform for local development—has reportedly overstepped its mandate. The key allegations include:
- Political Interference: SOKAPU claims the forum is being used by external political forces to create “parallel leadership” structures within the ethnic groups of Southern Kaduna.
- Undermining Authority: The union expressed concern that the forum’s recent activities are designed to weaken SOKAPU’s position as the primary voice for the region’s socio-political aspirations.
- Creation of Factions: There are reports that the forum’s engagement with state authorities has bypassed established community hierarchies, leading to friction between various ethnic development associations.
The CDAs-Forum Response
While the forum has yet to issue an official rebuttal to this specific petition, proponents of the group argue that they are simply focused on grassroots development and economic empowerment, which they claim has been neglected by more “politically focused” organizations.
