The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, placing a 30-year ban on any affiliation with the party over what it described as gross misconduct, impersonation, and attempts to destabilize the party through unconstitutional activities.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced that El-Rufai is now “ineligible to associate with the SDP in any capacity” until 2055. The decision follows what the NWC called “thorough investigations” into his “controversial claims of membership” and “backdoor political activities” that allegedly fueled internal divisions within the party.
The statement, signed by SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, accused El-Rufai of falsely parading himself as a party member despite never registering at his ward level, as required by the party’s constitution.
“El-Rufai never registered with the SDP at his ward level yet falsely declared on social media that he had joined the party. He further forged documents claiming membership and staged photo opportunities with suspended party leaders to reinforce this falsehood,” the statement said.
According to the NWC, El-Rufai was initially given the benefit of the doubt owing to his stature as a former Minister and State Governor. However, investigations later revealed that:
- He failed to undergo proper registration with the Unguwar Sarki Ward in Kaduna North LGA.
- He falsely declared himself “number 001” in the ward register, disregarding all prior records.
- He manipulated photo opportunities to give an illusion of membership.
- He continued to promote activities of other political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), even while claiming ties to the SDP.
The party also alleged that El-Rufai sought to draw the SDP into an unauthorized coalition with the ADC while planning an elaborate, self-promotional welcome ceremony at the party’s national secretariat — an event the party claims was politely rejected.
“Rather than register lawfully, this individual simply forged documents and self-registered. His actions contradict the records and principles of the party and reflect a troubling history of intolerance and persecution of the SDP during his tenure as governor,” the statement added.
In light of these developments, the NWC has declared that El-Rufai is prohibited from applying for membership, identifying with the party’s name, logo, or participating in any of its activities for the next three decades.
The party also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant institutions to take note of El-Rufai’s non-member status, warning that he is not authorized to represent or speak on behalf of the SDP.
Reaffirming its dedication to internal democracy, national unity, and principled opposition, the SDP urged prospective members to follow lawful and transparent entry procedures.
El-Rufai recently resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a divergence between his personal values and the direction of the ruling party. Shortly after, he announced his defection to the SDP—a claim the party has now roundly rejected.