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SDP Chairman, Bashir Zakariya, Dies in Fatal Crash on Zaria–Kaduna Highway

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 4th, 2025.

SDP Chairman, Bashir Zakariya, Dies in Fatal Crash on Zaria–Kaduna Highway

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kaduna State has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of its Zone One Chairman, Bashir Zakariya, who lost his life in a fatal motor accident on the Zaria–Kaduna Expressway.

Zakariya was reportedly en route from Zaria to Kaduna on Thursday when the accident occurred along the busy highway. Though details surrounding the incident remain unclear at the time of filing this report, party officials confirmed that he died at the scene.

In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Darius Kurah, and obtained by FirstClassGists, Zakariya was described as a principled and visionary leader whose legacy of integrity and commitment to democratic ideals left a lasting impact on the party and the wider political community in Kaduna State.

“Bashir Zakariya was a man of courage and unwavering conviction. He championed the cause of justice and truth, and worked tirelessly to strengthen the SDP’s presence in Zone One and across Kaduna State. His passing is a profound loss to the party and the state,” the statement read.

Colleagues and supporters have described Zakariya as a dedicated grassroots mobilizer who frequently travelled along the Zaria–Kaduna route in his efforts to build party structures and engage with communities. His death, they say, creates a significant vacuum in the party’s leadership in the North-West region.

Condolence visits to Zakariya’s family home in Kaduna have already begun, with party leaders, supporters, and community figures paying their respects and reflecting on his contributions to the political landscape.

In the wake of the incident, the SDP is also calling on both the Kaduna State Government and federal transportation authorities to take urgent steps to address the increasing rate of fatal accidents on the Zaria–Kaduna highway, a corridor that has become notorious for road tragedies.

Zakariya’s sudden demise marks a solemn moment for the SDP and the people of Kaduna State, as tributes continue to pour in from across the political spectrum.