The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kaduna State is in mourning following the death of its Zone One chairman, Bashir Zakariya, who died in a motor accident along the Zaria–Kaduna Expressway on Thursday.
Zakariya was reportedly travelling from Zaria to Kaduna when the crash occurred on the busy highway. Though details of the accident remained unclear as of press time, party officials confirmed that he died at the scene.
In a statement issued by the state Publicity Secretary, Darius Kurah, the party described Zakariya as “a man of integrity, courage, and vision” whose commitment to justice and democracy inspired many both within and outside the party.
“Zakariya stood for truth, spoke with conviction, and worked tirelessly to grow the SDP in Zone One and beyond. His memory will remain a guiding light to the party and the people of Kaduna State,” the statement read.
Party members said Zakariya had made the Zaria–Kaduna trip countless times in the course of mobilising grassroots support for the SDP, and that his death leaves a significant void in the party’s leadership in the North-West.
Sympathisers have begun visiting the family home in Kaduna to pay their respects.
The SDP also called on the Kaduna State Government and federal road agencies to intensify efforts to improve safety on the Zaria–Kaduna highway and curb the rising number of fatal accidents.
