In a dramatic political development, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and imposed a 30-year ban on him from participating in any party-related activities.
The decision was announced on Monday through a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, in Abuja.
According to the statement, the party accused El-Rufai of impersonating a member, forging party documents, and attempting to destabilize the SDP through unconstitutional and deceptive political maneuvers. The NWC said it acted after a thorough investigation into El-Rufai’s membership claims and activities, which it said threatened the party’s unity and integrity.
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“El-Rufai never registered at his ward as required by the party’s constitution but falsely declared on social media that he had joined the SDP,” the statement said. “He went further to forge membership documents and appeared in photo sessions with suspended party officials to reinforce this falsehood.”
The party noted that El-Rufai’s actions initially prompted congratulatory messages from party leaders and even a letter of support from the National Publicity Secretary. However, investigations later confirmed that the former governor was never a registered member of the SDP in Kaduna State.
The NWC also accused El-Rufai of aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while trying to drag the SDP into an unapproved coalition. The party described this as a violation of its principles and an act of bad faith.
“Having confirmed that he declared for ADC and continued to act contrary to the principles of the SDP, the party has no option but to disassociate from him,” the statement added.
As a result, the party declared El-Rufai ineligible to associate with the SDP in any capacity for the next 30 years. It urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to take note that he is not a member and cannot speak or act on behalf of the party.
The SDP reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy and national development, encouraging prospective members to join the party through legal and transparent means.
El-Rufai had recently announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a growing disconnect between his personal values and the party’s direction. He had claimed to have defected to the SDP, a move now rejected by the party.
