Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has described the merger of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) structure in the state with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a demonstration of unity and foresight.
The political realignment, which observers say could reshape Kaduna’s political landscape, was sealed during a coalition meeting held on Saturday in Kaduna.
A statement issued on Sunday, August 24, by the coalition’s publicity secretary, Darius Kurah, confirmed that El-Rufai presided over the meeting, which drew key figures from across political 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.
The meeting had in attendance ADC Vice Chairman (North West), Ja’afar Mohammed Sani; ADC State Chairman, Elder Patrick Ambut; ADC leader in Kaduna, Mallam Bashir Saidu; members of the SDP State Working Committee; former commissioners; political stakeholders; and representatives of the Peoples Democratic Party.
In his remarks, El-Rufai, regarded as a key political voice in the North, praised the development as a bold step towards building a stronger front for future contests.
“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.
He argued that Kaduna’s progress depended on leaders putting aside personal interests and prioritising collective service.
“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,” El-Rufai added.
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ADC Vice Chairman (North West), Ja’afar Mohammed Sani, also applauded the SDP’s decision, describing it as a people-first move.
“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,” Sani said.
Elder Patrick Ambut, the ADC State Chairman, welcomed the new entrants and assured them of full integration into party structures.
“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,” he said.
Mallam Bashir Saidu, ADC leader in Kaduna, stressed that the merger was more than a political arrangement.
“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 resolutions reached at the meeting was the creation of a Membership Registration Committee by the ADC National Working Committee.
According to Kurah, the committee will work with state, local government, and ward structures to carry out fresh registration and revalidation of members across Kaduna.
“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 concluded.