By Ayomide Otitoju
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has praised what he described as “a spirit of unity and foresight” following reports that the entire structure of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state had collapsed into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
El-Rufai, speaking at a high-level coalition meeting he chaired on Saturday, August 23, described the move as “a major realignment” in Kaduna’s political landscape.
“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),” a statement issued by the coalition’s Publicity Secretary, Darius Kurah, partly read.
According to the statement, the meeting brought together key stakeholders, including ADC North-West Chairman, Ja’afar Sani; Kaduna State ADC Chairman, Patrick Ambut; prominent ADC leader in Kaduna, Bashir Saidu; members of the SDP State Working Committee; former commissioners; and representatives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
El-Rufai, seen as a key political influencer in Northern Nigeria, commended the defection as a bold step toward building a stronger opposition bloc.
“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 stressed that Kaduna’s development would only be achieved when political leaders put aside narrow interests. “Politics should not be about division but about collective service to our people. We must consolidate this coalition and provide Kaduna with a credible, people-centred and truly progressive alternative,” he added.
ADC North-West Vice Chairman Sani described the move as “a new dawn for Kaduna politics,” while State Chairman Ambut formally welcomed the defectors, assuring them of full integration into the party’s structures.
SDP Denies Collapse into ADC
However, the Kaduna State chapter of the SDP has strongly refuted El-Rufai’s claim, dismissing it as “spurious, misleading and politically mischievous.”
In a statement on Monday signed by its Chairman, Adamu Idris, the SDP insisted its structure remained intact.
“Contrary to El-Rufai’s assertion, the SDP has no plans to dissolve into any coalition. His short-lived stay in our party was marked by crisis and division, but since his exit, peace has returned,” Idris said.
He accused the former governor of attempting to destabilise the party for personal gain, describing those who announced the merger as impostors.
“These individuals do not represent our party and lack the mandate to speak on its behalf. We urge our members and the general public to disregard their antics. The SDP remains committed to democracy, good governance, and credible opposition politics,” the statement added.
