The immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has praised what he called “a spirit of unity and foresight” following the collapse of the state’s entire Social Democratic Party structure into the African Democratic Congress.
The development, which political observers have described as a “major realignment” in the state’s political space, occurred at a high-level coalition meeting held on Saturday in Kaduna.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Coalition Publicity Secretary, Darius Kurah, El-Rufai presided over the meeting, which brought together major stakeholders and political leaders from across party lines.
“In a landmark political development, the entire structure of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Kaduna State Chapter has officially collapsed into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during a strategic coalition meeting held on Saturday, August 23, 2025,” the statement read.
El-Rufai chaired the historic gathering, which included Ja’afar Mohammed Sani, ADC Vice Chairman (North West); Elder Patrick Ambut, ADC State Chairman; Mallam Bashir Saidu, ADC Leader in Kaduna State; members of the SDP State Working Committee; former commissioners; political stakeholders; and Peoples Democratic Party representatives.
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In his opening remarks, El-Rufai, widely regarded as one of the North’s most powerful political figures, praised the merger as a courageous step towards establishing a formidable front in future political confrontations.
“I must commend the courage, wisdom and foresight demonstrated here today. What we are witnessing is not just an alliance of party structures, but a unity of purpose,” he said.
According to him, Kaduna State can only achieve progressive government and inclusive development if political leaders set aside their narrow interests and collaborate for the greater good.
He added, “The spirit of unity that has brought us here today is what will sustain us tomorrow. Politics should not be about division but about collective service to our people.
“We must continue to consolidate this coalition and provide the people of Kaduna State with an alternative that is credible, people-centred, and truly progressive.”
Ja’afar Mohammed Sani, ADC Vice Chairman (North West), applauded the SDP leadership for “putting the people first” and adopting a broader political platform.
“This is a new dawn for Kaduna politics. The courage of the SDP leadership to align with the ADC shows vision and determination to provide credible alternatives to our people.
“We are not just gathering for the sake of politics, but to restore hope and confidence in governance,” he said.
In the same vein, ADC State Chairman Elder Patrick Ambut formally welcomed the defectors into what he called “the ADC family”, promising that the new members would be fully integrated into all structures and activities of the party.
“This is not about old or new members. From today, we are one family with a shared destiny. Everyone will have a role to play as we prepare for the challenges ahead,” Ambut said.
ADC leader in Kaduna State, Mallam Bashir Saidu, further stated that the coalition represented more than a political merger.
“This is a convergence of ideologies committed to service, transparency, and development. We are building a platform that reflects the true aspirations of the people,” he stated.
One of the meeting’s significant resolutions was the immediate establishment of a Membership Registration Committee by the ADC National Working Committee.
According to the statement, the committee would collaborate with the state, local government, and ward structures to launch new membership registration and revalidation campaigns throughout Kaduna State.
Kurah indicated that the decision was intended to improve the ADC’s grassroots base and ensure organisational preparation for future elections.
“The revalidation exercise will not only consolidate the merger but also position the ADC as a strong, united and people-driven party in Kaduna State,” the statement said.
