The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, declaring him ineligible to associate with the party in any capacity for the next 30 years.
In a statement released on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, the SDP accused El-Rufai of falsely parading himself as a party member, manipulating internal processes, forging documents, and attempting to destabilize the party through unconstitutional and deceptive political actions.
The NWC stated that the decision followed a thorough investigation into El-Rufai’s claims of membership and what it described as “backdoor political activities” that threatened the unity and ideological integrity of the party.
“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 staged photo opportunities with suspended party leaders to reinforce this falsehood.”
According to the party, El-Rufai’s purported entry into the SDP was riddled with irregularities. Despite his public declarations, the Kaduna State chapter of the SDP maintained that he neither applied for nor completed any formal registration process with the party.
The NWC initially gave El-Rufai the benefit of the doubt, citing his prior experience as a minister and state governor. However, further inquiry confirmed that he had failed to undergo the basic eligibility screening or ward-level registration required by the SDP.
The statement added:
“Rather than follow due process, El-Rufai unilaterally declared himself a member and claimed to hold registration number ‘001’ in the SDP membership register of Unguwar Sarki Ward in Kaduna North LGA—despite the fact that the ward already has an active and registered membership base. This act amounted to forgery and false representation.”
The party further accused El-Rufai of attempting to drag the SDP into an unapproved coalition with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that was deemed contrary to SDP principles. It was confirmed that he had publicly declared support for the ADC, undermining his claims of allegiance to the SDP.
“Having confirmed that he declared for the ADC and continued to act in a manner contrary to the SDP’s values and practices, the party has no option but to disassociate and excommunicate him,” the statement emphasized.
Effective immediately, El-Rufai has been banned from applying for membership or associating in any form with the SDP — including using the party’s name, insignia, or participating in any of its activities — for a period of 30 years.
The SDP has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant institutions to take note of El-Rufai’s non-member status, cautioning the public against accepting any claims or representations he may make on behalf of the party.
The NWC reiterated its commitment to internal democracy, rule of law, and transparent party processes, urging prospective members to follow lawful procedures.
“Apparently to rewrite his political narrative, El-Rufai proposed an elaborate welcome ceremony at the SDP National Secretariat. He was advised to follow proper procedure by registering at his ward. Instead, he resorted to document forgery and self-appointment, undermining the credibility of our processes,” the party said.
El-Rufai had recently announced his resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing ideological misalignment. His sudden claim of SDP membership triggered mixed reactions within political circles, now culminating in this decisive action from the party’s leadership.