The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from its ranks and imposed a sweeping 30-year ban over what it described as fraudulent claims of membership and destabilising political conduct.
In a strongly worded statement issued Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, the party accused El-Rufai of impersonating an SDP member, manipulating internal structures for personal gain, and using the party’s identity in unauthorized political manoeuvres.
“Mr. El-Rufai’s conduct grossly violates the spirit and letter of the SDP constitution and threatens the moral fabric of our party,” the statement read.
The SDP alleged that despite El-Rufai’s public declaration of membership via social media, an internal probe revealed he never completed the mandatory ward-level registration process, nor underwent the required eligibility screening and onboarding — a violation of both party protocol and electoral law.
According to the party, El-Rufai went as far as forging membership documents and falsely proclaiming himself “Number 001” in the Unguwar Sarki Ward register of Kaduna North LGA — a move it described as both deceptive and an affront to the party’s grassroots leadership.
The Kaduna State chapter of the SDP, which first raised the alarm, also flagged El-Rufai for allegedly promoting the interests of another political party while masquerading as an SDP member, further accusing him of engineering chaos within the party’s ranks.
The former governor was also cited for:
Unauthorized political engagements using the SDP’s name;
Attempting to drag the party into a “so-called coalition” against its declared principles;
Sponsoring dissident factions and spreading misinformation to weaken party cohesion;
Offering inducements and manipulating party leaders for public photo opportunities.
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC), invoking Articles 19.1, 19.3(i), and 19.5 of its 2022 Constitution (as amended), ratified the expulsion and declared that El-Rufai is no longer recognized as a member — both within Nigeria and internationally.
Effective July 28, 2025, El-Rufai is barred from identifying with the party in any form — including use of its name, logo, platform, or participation in any activity — until July 28, 2055.
The SDP has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies of his non-member status.
In its closing remarks, the SDP reaffirmed its commitment to “national patriotism, internal democracy, moral rectitude, and principled opposition”, warning that the party would remain open only to Nigerians who “adhere strictly to its values and do not cut corners.”
