The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and banned him from the party for 30 years. The decision was announced in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, and approved by the National Working Committee (NWC).
According to the statement, the expulsion aligns with the party’s constitution, manifesto, internal regulations, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act, which empower political parties to determine their membership. The SDP warned members and the general public not to engage with El-Rufai politically, as he is not recognized as a member of the party.
The SDP also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant agencies to acknowledge El-Rufai’s expulsion and his ineligibility for party membership until July 28, 2055. The party explained that although El-Rufai never officially registered with the party in his ward, he had falsely claimed membership and misled the public into believing he had joined.
Initially, the party gave him the benefit of the doubt due to his status as a former minister and governor, especially after he posted on social media about joining the SDP, which prompted congratulatory messages from party leaders. However, investigations revealed that he had not registered at the ward level as required.
The party accused El-Rufai of fabricating membership documents, assigning himself “number 001” in the party’s register for Unguwar Sarki Ward in Kaduna North, and engaging in deceptive practices to promote his political agenda. He was also alleged to have associated with suspended National Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam and exploited party symbols and identity in political dealings without authorisation.
Further accusations included attempts to destabilise the SDP through misinformation, bribery, and manipulation, leading to internal disunity. The NWC stated that El-Rufai’s support for another party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and his role in pushing the SDP into an unauthorised coalition contributed to the decision.
The SDP cited Article 19.1, 19.3(i), and 19.5 of its 2022 constitution (as amended) as the legal basis for the expulsion. The party emphasized its commitment to discipline, ideological clarity, internal democracy, and principled opposition. As a result, El-Rufai is barred from all party activities, identification, support, or contribution to the SDP at any level for the next three decades.
Source: https://saharareporters.com/
