The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced the expulsion of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, from its ranks, declaring him ineligible to associate with the party in any capacity for the next 30 years.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP accused El-Rufai of falsely parading himself as a party member, manipulating internal processes, and attempting to destabilize the party through unconstitutional actions and deceptive political maneuvers.
The party said its National Working Committee (NWC) reached the decision following thorough investigations into El-Rufai’s controversial claims of membership and his alleged backdoor political activities.
“El-Rufai never registered with the SDP at his ward level as required by the party’s constitution, yet falsely declared on social media that he had joined the party,” the statement read. “He further forged documents claiming membership and took photo opportunities with suspended party leaders to reinforce this falsehood.”
According to the SDP, El-Rufai’s conduct was marked by “gross indiscipline, misinformation, inducement, and manipulation,” which allegedly fueled internal divisions and threatened the party’s unity and ideological integrity.
The party also accused him of aligning with another political group—the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—while trying to draw the SDP into an unapproved political coalition.
“Having confirmed that he publicly declared for the ADC and continued to act in a manner contrary to the principles and practices of the SDP, the party has no option but to disassociate and excommunicate him,” the statement added.
Consequently, El-Rufai has been “banished and banned from applying to the membership, identifying with the name, insignia, logo, or participating in any affairs of the SDP for a period of 30 years, effective immediately.”
The SDP 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 act or speak on behalf of the party.
Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, national patriotism, and principled opposition, the party urged all Nigerians aspiring to join its ranks to do so through lawful and transparent means.