SDP Expels El-Rufai, Slams 30-Year Ban, Gives Reasons

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced the expulsion of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, declaring him ineligible to associate with the party in any capacity for the next 30 years. The decision, reached by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), followed what the party described as a thorough investigation into El-Rufai’s claims of membership and his alleged actions aimed at destabilizing the party.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the SDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party accused El-Rufai of falsely presenting himself as an SDP member despite never registering at the ward level as mandated by the party’s constitution. According to Aiyenigba, El-Rufai went as far as forging membership documents and taking photos with suspended party leaders to reinforce his supposed affiliation with the SDP.

The party described his conduct as involving gross indiscipline, misinformation, inducement, and manipulation, all of which it claims created internal rifts and threatened the unity and ideological direction of the party. The SDP further alleged that El-Rufai actively aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while simultaneously attempting to involve the SDP in an unapproved coalition.

Following what it called “indisputable evidence” of El-Rufai’s public declaration for the ADC and continued use of the SDP’s identity for political transactions, the party declared his expulsion immediate and comprehensive. He is barred from identifying with the party’s name, logo, insignia, or participating in its affairs until July 28, 2055.

The statement noted that El-Rufai had previously sought a grand welcome at the SDP National Secretariat in Abuja, which was declined in favor of lawful registration through his ward in Kaduna State. Rather than comply, the former governor allegedly fabricated his own membership documents and falsely assigned himself as “number 001” in the SDP register for Unguwar Sarki Ward, Kaduna North LGA.

The SDP emphasized that El-Rufai’s actions amounted to impersonation, adding that he had no authority to represent or speak on behalf of the party. His involvement, the party said, led to widespread confusion and attempts to undermine the internal stability of the SDP, including backing a factional group to call an illegal National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

The NWC stated that El-Rufai’s expulsion is based on provisions in the party’s 2022 constitution and that both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant institutions have been officially informed of his non-member status.

Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, national development, and principled political engagement, the SDP said it remains open to new members who share its ideals but warned that the party will not tolerate manipulation or dishonesty in any form.