Presidency Mocks El-Rufai Over 30-Year SDP Ban: “Internally Displaced Again”

The presidency has mocked former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following his expulsion and 30-year ban from the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Reacting to the development, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, described El-Rufai as an “internally displaced” politician.

“Internally Displaced Again!” Onanuga wrote in a pointed post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, shortly after news of the ban broke. The comment appeared to ridicule El-Rufai’s continued political misfortunes after falling out with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and now being rejected by the SDP.

El-Rufai, once a prominent figure within the APC and known for his influence in Northern politics, has faced increasing isolation following his exit from active roles within the party and recent overtures to the SDP. His attempt to join the SDP was swiftly rejected by the party’s leadership, who accused him of forging membership documents, spreading misinformation, and attempting to destabilize the party from within.

The SDP, in its official statement, said El-Rufai’s membership claims were false and that he never completed the required registration process. The party banned him from all its activities until 2055 and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the public to disregard any political claims he makes on behalf of the party.