SDP Expels El-Rufai, Bans Him for 30 Years

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced the expulsion of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, from the party.

In a decisive statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, the SDP declared El-Rufai ineligible to associate with or participate in any party-related activity for the next 30 years.

According to the party, the decision was reached after an extensive investigation into El-Rufai’s controversial claim of SDP membership and what the party described as “backdoor political manoeuvres” that posed a threat to its internal cohesion and ideological integrity.

The SDP leadership accused El-Rufai of falsely presenting himself as a member of the party without fulfilling the constitutional requirements for registration. The NWC revealed that El-Rufai never formally registered with the party at his ward level in Kaduna State—a prerequisite for membership under the SDP Constitution.

Despite this, he went ahead to publicly announce his defection to the SDP on social media, prompting congratulatory messages from party stakeholders. He was also alleged to have forged documents claiming to be the first registered member—“Number 001”—of Unguwar Sarki Ward in Kaduna North Local Government Area. The party described this move as a blatant falsehood, contradicting existing membership records in Kaduna State.

“El-Rufai took advantage of photo opportunities with some suspended party officials, including the former National Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam, to reinforce the false perception that he had legitimately joined the SDP,” the statement said.

The party further stated that El-Rufai’s actions demonstrated a disregard for due process and ethical political conduct. Initially, the SDP said it gave El-Rufai the benefit of the doubt, given his stature as a former governor and minister. However, a deeper inquiry revealed a pattern of misrepresentation and unethical behavior.

Notably, the SDP also accused him of clandestinely promoting the interests of another political platform—the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—while simultaneously attempting to draw the SDP into an unauthorized political coalition. This, the party noted, was a direct violation of its principles, practices, and the Electoral Act, which empowers political parties to determine their own membership.

“Having confirmed that Nasir El-Rufai not only failed to register properly but also publicly aligned with the ADC and engaged in activities contrary to the objectives of the SDP, the National Working Committee has resolved to expel and excommunicate him,” the statement declared.

Effective immediately, El-Rufai is barred from applying for membership, affiliating with the party’s name, using its insignia or logo, or engaging in any of its official affairs for a period of 30 years.

The SDP also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies to take note of El-Rufai’s non-member status and warned that he is not authorized to speak or act on behalf of the party under any circumstance.

Providing further insight into the controversy, the party disclosed that El-Rufai had once proposed a grand reception at the SDP National Secretariat in Abuja as part of his supposed defection. However, he was advised to follow the proper registration process by first enrolling at his ward level in Kaduna State and undergoing an eligibility interview.

Instead of complying, El-Rufai allegedly forged documentation and unilaterally declared himself a registered member—an act the party views as both fraudulent and disrespectful to its democratic structure.

On March 10, El-Rufai, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), announced his resignation from the party via a post on his verified Facebook page. He claimed to have submitted his resignation letter to his ward in Kaduna and declared that he had joined the SDP.

Following this, he began rallying support among political allies in an attempt to build momentum for a new opposition bloc capable of challenging the APC in the 2027 general elections.

However, his aspirations have now been curtailed by the SDP’s firm stance, which reaffirms its commitment to internal democracy, rule of law, and principled opposition.

The party urged Nigerians who wish to join its ranks to do so through legal and transparent channels. It reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on impersonation, document forgery, and dual party allegiance.

“El-Rufai’s desperate attempts to rewrite his political history through deception and short-circuiting our internal processes have failed,” the statement concluded.