The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and barred him from any involvement in the party for the next 30 years.
The decision, announced by the National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja on Monday, follows what the party described as “false claims of membership, manipulation of party processes, and attempts to destabilise the organisation through unconstitutional actions.”
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, the SDP accused El-Rufai of never formally registering at his ward level in Kaduna State, as required by the party’s constitution, despite publicly declaring his membership on social media and staging photo opportunities with certain party figures.
“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 associated with suspended party leaders to reinforce this falsehood.”
The NWC said an investigation confirmed that El-Rufai’s membership claim was invalid, and accused him of aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while simultaneously attempting to draw SDP into an unapproved political coalition.
“In view of his actions, the party has no option but to disassociate itself from him. Consequently, Nasir El-Rufai is hereby banned from applying for membership, associating with the SDP, or participating in any of its activities for a period of 30 years, effective immediately,” Aiyenigba stated.
The party also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to note El-Rufai’s non-member status, warning that he is not authorised to represent or speak on behalf of the SDP in any capacity.
Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and lawful membership processes, the party advised prospective members to join through “transparent and legitimate channels.”
El-Rufai, who recently announced his departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC), had cited ideological differences as his reason for defecting to the SDP. The party leadership, however, now insists that his defection was never formalised according to its constitution.
