Tensions have erupted within the political landscape of Kaduna State following the recent merger announcement between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), a move which former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has openly praised. The SDP, however, has strongly kicked against the development, declaring the merger as unauthorized and misleading.
El-Rufai, while speaking at a political forum in Kaduna, commended the merger as a “step towards unifying opposition voices” in the state and a way to strengthen democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections. He noted that a coalition of like-minded parties is essential to challenge the dominance of larger parties like the APC and PDP.
However, the SDP leadership, both at the state and national levels, quickly issued a rebuttal. In a press release, the party stated that no such merger was approved by its National Executive Committee and described the ADC’s announcement as “an act of political desperation and misinformation.”
According to the Kaduna State SDP Chairman, Ibrahim Suleiman, “There was no agreement, negotiation, or official discussion regarding a merger with the ADC. Any individual or group claiming such does not represent the interests or decisions of the SDP.”
Suleiman went further to accuse certain political actors of trying to destabilize the party’s structure in the state by misleading the public. He warned party members to remain united and not to be swayed by external forces attempting to hijack the party's platform.
Political observers believe El-Rufai’s endorsement of the merger may be strategic, as he continues to exert influence in Kaduna politics even after leaving office. Sources suggest that he is quietly building alliances ahead of 2027, possibly in anticipation of returning to the national political scene.
Meanwhile, ADC officials in Kaduna defended the merger claims, stating that discussions had been ongoing for months and involved “key stakeholders” from both parties. They maintained that the aim was to create a broader platform for progressive candidates in the state.
The disagreement has thrown both parties into a state of confusion, with supporters unsure of the future of the purported alliance. Analysts warn that unless the issues are resolved swiftly, the credibility and cohesion of both parties could be damaged ahead of upcoming elections.
As the dust settles, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to officially recognize any merger between the two parties. This leaves the merger in a political limbo, subject to further legal and procedural scrutiny.
With 2027 looming, Kaduna’s political terrain is heating up, and this clash between the SDP and ADC, now tangled with El-Rufai’s growing involvement, may be a sign of more political drama to come.
0 Comments