Political Earthquake In Kaduna: El-Rufai Reacts As SDP Joins Forces With ADC

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has commended what he described as a spirit of unity and foresight following the collapse of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) structure in Kaduna State into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The defection, considered a major realignment in Kaduna’s political landscape, was officially sealed during a high-level coalition meeting held on Saturday in Kaduna.

According to a statement released on Sunday by the coalition’s Publicity Secretary, Darius Kurah, the meeting was chaired by El-Rufai and brought together key stakeholders and political leaders across party lines.

In his remarks, El-Rufai described the merger as a bold step toward building a stronger political front ahead of future elections.

“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 further stressed that Kaduna State’s development could only be achieved when leaders place the collective good above personal ambition.

“The spirit of unity that has brought us here today is what will sustain us tomorrow. Politics should not be about division but about service to the people. We must strengthen this coalition and provide Kaduna State with an alternative that is credible, people-centred, and truly progressive,” El-Rufai added.

ADC Leaders React

ADC Vice Chairman (North West), Ja’afar Mohammed Sani, praised the SDP leadership for prioritising the people by joining 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 politics but to restore hope and confidence in governance,” he stated.

Similarly, ADC State Chairman, Elder Patrick Ambut, assured the new entrants that they would be fully integrated into the party’s structures.

“This is not about old or new members. From today, we are one family with a shared destiny. Everyone has a role to play as we prepare for the challenges ahead,” he said.

ADC leader in Kaduna, Mallam Bashir Saidu, also noted that the coalition was beyond a merger of party structures, describing it as a convergence of ideologies committed to service, transparency, and development.

“We are building a platform that reflects the true aspirations of the people,” he said.

As part of the resolutions, the ADC National Working Committee set up a Membership Registration Committee, tasked with working with state, local government, and ward structures to begin fresh membership registration and revalidation across Kaduna State.

Kurah explained that the exercise would strengthen the ADC’s grassroots base and ensure the party’s readiness ahead of upcoming 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 concluded.