The Social Democratic Party, SDP, has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and barred him from any form of affiliation with the party for 30 years, following accusations of impersonation, document forgery, and attempt to destabilize the party.
The decision was announced in a statement signed by SDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba following a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee in Abuja.
The SDP leadership accused El-Rufai of falsely claiming party membership without fulfilling legal and constitutional requirements, particularly the failure to register at his ward level in Kaduna State.
The NWC said investigations revealed that El-Rufai had not lawfully joined the SDP but had instead circulated false claims of membership via social media. According to the statement, he shared photos with suspended party officials and forged registration documents claiming to be “Member 001” of the Unguwar Sarki Ward, Kaduna North LGA.
“Despite our constitution requiring proper ward-level registration, El-Rufai unilaterally declared himself a member online, sought photo opportunities with suspended leaders, and presented fake documents to support this false narrative,” the statement read.
Further, the SDP accused El-Rufai of attempting to align the party with another opposition party, the African Democratic Congress, in an unauthorized political arrangement. The NWC said El-Rufai had publicly declared for the ADC while simultaneously trying to integrate himself into SDP structures.
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“Having confirmed that he declared for ADC and continued acting contrary to SDP principles, the party has no option but to disassociate from him,” the party stated.
As a result, El-Rufai was expelled and barred from applying for membership or participating in any SDP affairs—including the use of its insignia, logo, or identity—for the next 30 years.
The party also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and other relevant authorities to take note that El-Rufai is not a recognized member and is not authorized to speak or act on behalf of the party.
The SDP maintained that it had initially given El-Rufai the benefit of the doubt due to his stature as a former governor and minister but found his conduct incompatible with party discipline.
“Rather than follow the lawful registration process, he forged his membership and tried to manipulate the party’s image. This behavior undermines internal democracy,” the statement said.
The NWC reaffirmed its commitment to constitutionalism, discipline, and principled politics, warning that no individual—regardless of past office—can subvert its structures through deception.
El-Rufai had recently announced his departure from the All Progressives Congress, citing a growing ideological disconnect. His attempted entry into the SDP was seen by some observers as part of a broader political rebranding ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
Punch Newspaper
