The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, and barred him from associating with the party in any capacity for the next 30 years.
The decision was announced on Monday in a statement signed by Araba Aiyenigba, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, following a resolution by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the SDP.
According to the party, El-Rufai was expelled over a series of alleged infractions including false claims of party membership, forgery, manipulation of internal party processes, and attempts to destabilize the SDP from within.
The party clarified that despite El-Rufai’s public declaration of having joined the SDP, investigations revealed that he never registered at his ward level as required by the party’s constitution.
“El-Rufai failed to register at his ward in Kaduna State but falsely declared on social media that he had joined the SDP. He even forged documents and took photos with suspended leaders to legitimize his false claim,” the statement alleged.
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The SDP further accused the former governor of forging his own membership documents, and of assigning himself the status of “Number 001” in the SDP membership register of Unguwar Sarki Ward in Kaduna North LGA, a move the party described as both deceptive and illegal.
The SDP also claimed that El-Rufai had declared for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while simultaneously attempting to drag the SDP into an unauthorized political coalition, a move the party viewed as a breach of its constitution and ideological principles.
“Having confirmed that he publicly declared for the ADC and continued to act contrary to SDP’s principles, the party has no option but to disassociate and excommunicate him,” the statement added.
As a result, the party stated: “Nasir El-Rufai has been banished and banned from applying for membership, identifying with the name, insignia, or logo of the SDP, or participating in any affairs of the party for 30 years, effective immediately.”
The party also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to note that El-Rufai is not a member of the SDP and is not authorized to speak or act on behalf of the party in any capacity.
The SDP revealed that El-Rufai had earlier proposed an elaborate welcome ceremony at the party’s national secretariat, which was declined. He was instead advised to undergo the proper registration process at the ward level.
“Rather than register lawfully, he forged documents and attempted to legitimize himself through photo-ops with suspended party officials,” the party stated.
Recall that El-Rufai recently announced his resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a disconnect between his values and the direction of the party. Shortly after, he declared allegiance to the SDP, a move now firmly rejected by the party.
The SDP reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and principled opposition, warning that no individual, regardless of status, can bypass due process.
