In a significant display of grassroots political mobilization, the Women’s Wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kagoro Chiefdom, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, convened its final quarterly congress for the year. The event, held on Saturday, December 21, 2025, transcended a routine party meeting, evolving into a strategic platform for endorsements and setting the tone for the upcoming 2027 electoral cycle.
The congress, chaired by Dr. Abdulmalik Durunguwa, witnessed an impressive turnout of women leaders from across the chiefdom’s six wards. This high participation rate underscores the growing influence of women as a critical demographic in Nigeria’s political calculus, particularly at the local government level where voter mobilization is most effective. Dr. Durunguwa, in his remarks, framed the support for the current administrations as an investment in continued development, citing tangible achievements in Southern Kaduna. His assurance of support “towards the victory of the party at all levels come 2027” explicitly links the day’s activities to long-term campaign groundwork, revealing the congress’s dual function as both a reporting and a rallying event.
The presence of key local government figures added considerable weight to the proceedings. Mr. Obadiah Sankyai, Chairman of Kaura Local Government, who served as Chief Host, and Mr. Sani Tachio, the local APC Chairman, both lauded the women as the “bedrock of the party.” Their speeches went beyond mere praise, however, issuing a direct call to action: to enlighten communities on government successes and to actively recruit new members. This highlights a strategic recognition that women are often the most trusted messengers within their communities, capable of influencing household and communal voting patterns. The formal welcome of decampees from opposition parties further emphasized the event’s role in consolidating the APC’s base and weakening rivals ahead of 2027.
The political stakes were further elevated by contributions from state and federal representatives. Prof. Benjamin Gugong, Commissioner for Sports Development, and Mr. Donatus Mathew, the House of Representatives member for Kaura Federal Constituency, enumerated achievements “at all levels”—a common rhetorical strategy aimed at creating a perception of seamless, multi-tier governance success. Their remarks, alongside those of philanthropist and senatorial aspirant Mr. Joseph Chiroma, transformed the congress into a mini-campaign stop, where future candidates could gauge support and curry favor with a vital constituency.
The unequivocal climax of the event was the collective endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for second terms in office. This move is politically astute for several reasons. First, it creates early momentum and a narrative of inevitability around their candidacies. Second, it allows local chapters to demonstrate loyalty to the party’s national and state leadership, potentially strengthening their claim for resources and support. Third, it serves as a powerful signal to the broader electorate and party machinery about the alignment and readiness of the Kagoro women’s wing.
In closing, Mr. Yahaya Silas, Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Local Government Chairman, aptly summarized the overarching goal: “building a stronger APC in the country.” The Kagoro women’s congress, therefore, was far more than a local meeting. It was a microcosm of contemporary Nigerian politics—a blend of endorsement, mobilization, recruitment, and strategic positioning. It demonstrates how grassroots structures are being activated well in advance of elections, with women’s wings playing an increasingly central role in shaping political narratives and outcomes at the most fundamental level.
