The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kaduna state has been thrown into mourning following the death of its Zone One Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Zakariya, who lost his life in a ghastly auto crash along the Zaria–Kaduna highway.
Zakariya was said to be travelling from Zaria to Kaduna when the accident occurred on the ever-busy corridor.
Though details of the incident remain sketchy as of press time, party officials confirmed that he died at the scene.
In a statement signed by the SDP State Publicity Secretary, Darius Kurah, the party described the late zonal chairman as a man of deep conviction, courage and integrity, who dedicated his life to democratic ideals and grassroots mobilisation.
“Zakariya stood for truth, spoke with courage, and worked relentlessly to build the SDP in Zone One and across Kaduna State,” the statement said.
The party noted that his passing had created a “huge vacuum” in the leadership structure of the opposition party in the state, especially given his pivotal role in community engagement and political organisation.
“His memory will remain a guiding light to the party and the people of Kaduna State,” the party added.
Party members recounted that Zakariya had made the Zaria–Kaduna trip countless times in the course of advancing the party’s interests and strengthening its grassroots base.
Sympathisers have since begun paying condolence visits to the family residence in Kaduna.
The SDP called on the Kaduna State Government and relevant federal road safety agencies to intensify efforts to reduce accidents along the Zaria–Kaduna highway, which it described as increasingly dangerous.