Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has described the reported collapse of the entire Social Democratic Party (SDP) structure in Kaduna into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a “major realignment” in the state’s political landscape.
El-Rufai, who chaired a high-level coalition meeting that reportedly sealed the move, hailed the development as an expression of “a spirit of unity and foresight.”
A statement issued by the coalition’s Publicity Secretary, Darius Kurah, explained that the event took place during a strategic gathering on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The meeting, presided over by El-Rufai, brought together political leaders and stakeholders 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 partly read.
The gathering was attended by ADC North-West Chairman, Ja’afar Sani; Kaduna State ADC Chairman, Patrick Ambut; prominent ADC figure Bashir Saidu; members of the SDP State Working Committee; former commissioners; political stakeholders; and representatives from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In his remarks, El-Rufai, who is regarded as a major political influencer in Northern Nigeria, described the alliance as a significant step toward creating a formidable bloc ahead of future elections. He said, “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.”
The former governor stressed that Kaduna’s progress depends on leaders putting aside personal ambitions to serve the collective interest. “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,” he added.
Speaking during the session, ADC North-West Vice Chairman Ja’afar Sani commended the SDP’s decision to join the ADC, describing it as proof of vision and commitment. He said, “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.”
Also addressing the coalition, Kaduna State ADC Chairman Patrick Ambut welcomed the new members into what he called “the ADC family,” promising that they would be integrated fully into the party’s structures and programs.
However, the development quickly drew sharp rejection from the SDP in Kaduna. In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Adamu Idris, the party dismissed El-Rufai’s claims as “spurious, misleading and politically mischievous.”
According to Idris, the SDP remained intact and had no intention of collapsing its structure into the ADC or joining any coalition driven by the former governor. He accused El-Rufai of attempting to destabilize the party for personal political benefit.
“His short-lived stay in our party was marked by crisis and division. Since his exit, peace has returned, and the party has been repositioned for credible opposition politics. The SDP is committed to democracy, good governance, and the protection of the true interests of the Nigerian people. We will not allow the antics of individuals whose track records are riddled with controversy to derail our vision,” he said.
The SDP chairman further alleged that those claiming to represent the party at the coalition meeting were impostors. “These are impostors masquerading as SDP members to curry favour with El-Rufai. They do not represent our party, and they lack the mandate to speak on its behalf. We urge our members and the general public to disregard their antics,” he added.
What you should know
Nasir El-Rufai announced that the Social Democratic Party in Kaduna had merged into the African Democratic Congress, a move he described as a new phase of political unity.
While key ADC leaders welcomed the development, the SDP state leadership strongly refuted the claim, insisting the party remains intact.
This has created a sharp political controversy, highlighting El-Rufai’s continuing influence and the deep divisions within Kaduna’s political space.
