By Atoyebi Nike
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced the expulsion of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, from its ranks, citing gross misconduct, false claims of membership, and activities contrary to the party’s constitution.
The decision, according to a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, followed thorough investigations into what the party described as El-Rufai’s “deceptive political maneuvers” and unauthorized association with the party.
“El-Rufai never registered with the SDP at his ward level as required by our constitution,” the statement read. “Yet, he falsely claimed membership on social media, forged documents, and posed with suspended party leaders to support his false claims.”
The party stated that El-Rufai’s actions included manipulating internal processes and attempting to destabilize the SDP while promoting another political party. Despite earlier expressions of goodwill toward him, the NWC said it became evident through internal reviews that he never completed the lawful membership process.
The statement further accused the former governor of aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and attempting to drag the SDP into an unapproved coalition arrangement.
“Having confirmed that he publicly declared for the ADC and continues to act in a manner contrary to the values of the SDP, the party has no option but to disassociate from and excommunicate him,” the statement added.
Effective immediately, El-Rufai has been barred from applying for membership or participating in any party affairs for a period of 30 years. He is also prohibited from using the party’s name, insignia, or representing the SDP in any capacity.
The party called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to disregard any claim El-Rufai may make concerning SDP membership or representation.
Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and national unity, the SDP encouraged Nigerians to join the party through legitimate and transparent means.
The statement also revealed that El-Rufai had proposed a grand welcome ceremony at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, which was turned down. He was instead advised to go through the proper registration process at his ward in Kaduna. According to the party, El-Rufai ignored this directive and instead forged a membership document that falsely listed him as the first member of his ward chapter.
El-Rufai recently announced his departure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a divergence between his values and the party’s current direction as the reason for his exit.
