A former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed satisfaction over what he described as “a spirit of unity and foresight” following the collapse of the entire structure of the Social Democratic Party in the state into the African Democratic Congress.

The development took place at a high-level coalition meeting convened on Saturday in Kaduna as political watchers have describe as a “major realignment” in the state’s political space.

In a statement on Sunday, the Coalition Publicity Secretary, Darius Kurah said the meeting was presided over by El-Rufai, who brought together key stakeholders and political leaders across party lines.

Some of those who attended the meeting 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 representatives from the Peoples Democratic Party.

“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.

In his opening remarks, El-Rufai commended the courage, wisdom and foresight demonstrated of the merger stating that it not just an alliance of party structures, but a unity of purpose.

He further insinuated that the progress of Kaduna depended on the merging.

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.”

In his remark, the Vice chairman of the ADC in the North West, Ja’afar Mohammed Sani, hailed the leadership of the SDP for putting the people first and embracing a bigger political platform.

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.”

Welcoming the defectors also, the ADC State Chairman, Elder Patrick Ambut promised that the new members would be fully integrated into all structures and activities of the party.

At the meeting, there was an immediate constitution of a Membership Registration Committee by the ADC National Working Committee which the statement noted that it would work with the state, local government, and ward structures to begin fresh membership registration and revalidation exercises across Kaduna State.