… Reject ex-gov defection
… Insist his anti-people policies undermines democracy
A coalition of youths within Nigeria’s Social Democratic Party (SDP) has vehemently opposed the recent defection of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, asserting that his “history is littered with anti-democratic tendencies and a disregard for inclusivity.”
El-Rufai officially joined the SDP earlier this week after publicly criticising the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and engaging with opposition leaders. However, his defection has ignited significant backlash among certain party members, particularly within the SDP Youths and Supporters Coalition.
In a statement released on Friday, the coalition, led by its president, Comrade Abdulsamad Bello, labelled El-Rufai as “unfit and morally unqualified” to be part of the SDP, citing his so-called “anti-democratic record” during his tenure as governor.
“We categorically reject El-Rufai’s entrance into our party. He comes not as a reformer but as an undertaker, seeking to undermine the SDP before it even has the opportunity to flourish,” Bello stated.
The coalition further condemned the party’s leadership for what it termed a “clandestine deal” that facilitated El-Rufai’s defection, warning that his involvement could jeopardise the party’s stability.
“El-Rufai has consistently demonstrated a lack of belief in democracy. His track record of suppressing opposition voices, sidelining party members, and enforcing his will through coercion is well-documented,” Bello continued.
“It is astonishing that the leadership of our party would permit itself to be infiltrated by someone whose time in office was characterised by impunity, authoritarianism, and a blatant disregard for democratic principles.”
Tensions have already flared following the former governor’s entry into the party. On Wednesday, his supporters staged a protest at the SDP national headquarters in Abuja, demanding the resignation of the party’s national secretary, Olu Agunloye.
According to the youth coalition, this incident is indicative of El-Rufai’s attempt to assert control over the party’s leadership.
“Merely days after joining our party, El-Rufai is already pushing for a leadership change. He is demanding the resignation of Olu Agunloye, despite the party having its own internal mechanisms for addressing such issues.
“This is a clear indication of his desperation to dominate the SDP and reshape it in his own image,” the statement asserted.
The group accused El-Rufai of utilising the SDP as a vehicle for his personal political ambitions, particularly in light of his recent criticisms of President Bola Tinubu and the APC.
“El-Rufai’s departure from the APC and his calculated entry into the SDP is nothing more than a desperate attempt to rebrand himself politically,” Bello remarked.
“The same individual who previously derided opposition leaders and dismissed them as irrelevant is now seeking refuge among them. His hypocrisy knows no bounds.”
