The National Working Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, declaring him ineligible to engage with the party for the next 30 years.
In an official statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, it was alleged that El-Rufai misrepresented his membership, manipulated internal processes, and attempted to undermine the party through unconstitutional actions and misleading political tactics.
The NWC’s decision followed a comprehensive investigation into El-Rufai’s questionable claims of party affiliation, which the party argued had caused internal discord and threatened its unity and ideological integrity.
The statement detailed that El-Rufai failed to register at his local ward as mandated by the party’s constitution, yet he misleadingly announced on social media that he had joined the SDP. He reportedly forged documents and sought photo opportunities with suspended party leaders to support his false claims.
The party asserted that while initially giving El-Rufai the benefit of the doubt due to his status as a former Minister and Governor, subsequent inquiries confirmed that he had not joined the SDP. Despite his claims, the Kaduna State SDP maintained that he had been promoting other political parties instead.
Moreover, the SDP accused El-Rufai of aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while attempting to draw the SDP into an unapproved political coalition.
The party emphasised that following this confirmation of his public declaration for the ADC, it had no choice but to sever ties with him. As a result, El-Rufai has been banned from membership, using the party’s name or logo, and participating in any SDP affairs for 30 years, effective immediately.
The SDP urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies to acknowledge El-Rufai’s non-member status, stressing that he is not authorised to represent the party.
Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and principled opposition, the SDP encouraged all Nigerians wishing to join its ranks to do so through lawful means.
Interestingly, El-Rufai had recently suggested a grand welcome ceremony at the SDP National Secretariat, a proposal that was met with a reminder to properly register at his local ward in Kaduna State. Instead of following the lawful process, he allegedly forged documents claiming to be the first member of the SDP in his ward, contradicting all official party records.
This controversy follows El-Rufai’s recent resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a growing divergence between his personal values and the party’s current direction.
