SDP Expels Former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai And Imposes 30-Year Ban.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and barred him from associating with the party for 30 years, effective immediately. The decision, announced on Monday, 28 July 2025, by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja, follows allegations of impersonation, forgery, and attempts to destabilise the SDP through unauthorised political activities.
In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP accused El-Rufai of falsely claiming membership by forging documents and self-registering as ‘number 001’ in the party’s membership register for Unguwar Sarki Ward, Kaduna North Local Government Area, without following due process. The party clarified that El-Rufai never registered with the ward executives, as required by its constitution, and his actions contravened the SDP’s principles, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act. “His dodgy membership status aside, he has been illegitimately trading with the name of the SDP in various forums and political transactions around the so-called coalition,” Aiyenigba stated.
The NWC’s investigation revealed that El-Rufai, who recently left the All Progressives Congress (APC), had been promoting the activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while claiming SDP affiliation. The party alleged that he sought to drag the SDP into an unapproved coalition, including by sponsoring dissidents to call an illegal National Executive Committee meeting on 25 July 2025. The SDP also cited El-Rufai’s history of intolerance towards the party during his tenure as Kaduna governor under the APC, accusing him of persecuting its members.
Initially, El-Rufai was given the benefit of the doubt due to his stature as a former minister and governor. His social media posts claiming SDP membership prompted congratulatory messages from party leaders and a letter of support from Aiyenigba. However, the Kaduna State SDP executives confirmed he had not joined, leading to a thorough inquiry that exposed his actions. The NWC ratified the denunciation by the Kaduna State chapter, declaring El-Rufai excommunicated and banned from any SDP activities, including using its name, logo, or insignia, until 28 July 2055.
The SDP has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other authorities to note El-Rufai’s non-member status and warned its members and the public against engaging with him in any political capacity. Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and ideological clarity, the party called on Nigerians to join through lawful means. The expulsion has sparked debate, with some questioning the severity of the 30-year ban, while others see it as a bold move to protect the SDP’s integrity ahead of the 2027 elections.
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