SDP Expels Ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Bans Him from Party Activities for 30 Years
In a dramatic and far-reaching decision, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has officially expelled the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, from its ranks, placing a 30-year ban on any form of association with the party. The announcement came through a strongly worded statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Araba Aiyenigba, on behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC).
The move marks a significant political twist in Nigeria’s unfolding political terrain, particularly as El-Rufai’s political future has been under close scrutiny following his exit from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, rather than finding a new political sanctuary in the SDP, El-Rufai has now been declared persona non grata within its fold.
According to the statement released in Abuja, the party accused El-Rufai of multiple infractions, ranging from falsely parading himself as a registered member of the SDP, engaging in political manipulation, and initiating clandestine actions aimed at destabilizing the party’s internal structure. These actions, the party insisted, were not only unconstitutional but also deliberately deceptive.
No Official Registration, But Claims of Membership
The leadership of the SDP detailed its findings from what it described as “a thorough investigation” into El-Rufai’s membership claims. The former governor had earlier declared on his social media pages that he had joined the SDP, prompting congratulatory messages from some party leaders and members. However, the party clarified that El-Rufai never went through the formal processes required to become a legitimate member.
As outlined by the NWC, El-Rufai failed to register with the party at the ward level — a fundamental requirement in the SDP’s constitution. Despite this, he allegedly forged documents to present himself as a bonafide member of the party. Furthermore, he reportedly orchestrated photo opportunities with suspended party officials to reinforce his self-declared membership status.
“The SDP Constitution clearly outlines the procedure for joining the party, which starts at the ward level,” the party explained. “Nasir El-Rufai never fulfilled these requirements. Instead, he falsely presented himself as a member and engaged in acts that have brought confusion, embarrassment, and internal division to our party.”
The statement emphasized that the decision to expel and ban El-Rufai from any association with the party was taken after extensive deliberations by the NWC, which considered both the legal and political ramifications of his actions.
30-Year Ban for ‘False Representation and Deception’
According to the SDP, El-Rufai’s actions were not just administrative violations; they were deliberate acts of sabotage designed to manipulate the party’s internal affairs for personal political gain. The party noted that he had engaged in “backdoor political activities,” some of which allegedly involved attempts to align the SDP with other political movements without authorization.
Among the key accusations levelled against him was a covert alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which the SDP said amounted to disloyalty and conflict of interest. The party insisted that such actions were entirely at odds with the SDP’s values and mission.
“In our findings, El-Rufai has already declared for the ADC and continues to act in ways that violate the spirit and structure of our party. These actions cannot be tolerated,” the statement said.
As a result of these violations, the SDP has not only expelled him but also declared a 30-year ban, barring him from applying for membership or participating in any form of party activity. This ban is effective immediately and applies to all levels of engagement with the SDP, including the use of the party’s name, symbols, and logos.
A History of Antagonism Toward the SDP
Interestingly, the party also accused El-Rufai of having a long-standing history of hostility toward the SDP, dating back to his days as the Governor of Kaduna State under the APC. According to the statement, El-Rufai was known for persecuting the SDP while in office and showed little tolerance for opposition voices in the state.
This history, the party claims, raises serious questions about his motives for suddenly claiming association with the SDP.
“He has shown time and again that he does not respect opposition politics. During his tenure as governor, the SDP faced significant hurdles, many of which were directly tied to his administration’s hostility. His recent actions now seem less like a change of heart and more like a continuation of a manipulative political agenda,” the party said.
A False Start: Social Media Declarations and Staged Photos
The saga began when El-Rufai published on social media that he had joined the SDP, setting off a storm of reactions. Some party leaders, unaware of the true situation, sent congratulatory messages, while others issued letters of support. The statement revealed that even the National Publicity Secretary had, in good faith, written a letter of welcome at El-Rufai’s request.
However, this welcome turned out to be premature and, as the party later discovered, based on misinformation.
The party highlighted several red flags, including El-Rufai’s refusal to undergo the basic eligibility interview and registration process at his local ward. Instead, he allegedly forged documents, claiming to be member number 001 at the Unguwar Sarki Ward in Kaduna North Local Government — a claim the party dismissed as fraudulent.
“In reality, our existing and up-to-date records show no such registration. His self-arrogated position as number one in a non-existent register is not only fraudulent but a clear case of impersonation,” the statement added.
Failed Political Jamboree at Party Headquarters
At one point, El-Rufai is said to have proposed a grand welcome ceremony at the SDP National Secretariat in Abuja, complete with media coverage and party banners. However, according to the party, this idea was firmly rejected. He was advised to return to his ward and go through the standard procedures like every other new member.
Instead of complying, he allegedly ignored the directive and continued his public relations campaign to suggest a non-existent affiliation with the SDP.
“This attempt at staging a political jamboree in Abuja, while avoiding the legitimate process of registration in Kaduna, further confirms that his intentions were never in line with the values of our party,” the SDP stated.
Warning to INEC and Other Institutions
In addition to El-Rufai’s expulsion and ban, the SDP also issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other political bodies. The party emphasized that El-Rufai is not a recognized member and therefore has no legal or moral authority to speak, act, or make representations on behalf of the SDP.
The statement called on INEC to update its records accordingly and to ensure that no recognition is accorded to any political activity involving El-Rufai under the SDP umbrella.
Here is a rewritten and spun version of the message, expanded to 300 words and optimized for clarity and readability:
SDP Urges Nigerians to Join Through Proper Channels
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to upholding democratic principles, transparency, and a true sense of national service. In a message directed at Nigerians who are interested in joining the party, the leadership stressed the importance of following the proper registration process and respecting the party’s constitutional guidelines.
The party emphasized that membership in the SDP is not something to be claimed through social media announcements or political theatrics. Instead, it must be earned through lawful and transparent procedures that begin at the grassroots — specifically, at the ward level. This, the party noted, is a critical part of ensuring that every member shares the party’s vision, values, and long-term mission for the country.
The SDP pointed out that these procedures are in place to guarantee fairness, consistency, and the preservation of the party’s identity and unity. Any attempt to bypass these processes, they warned, will be regarded as a violation of the party’s core values and treated accordingly.
In a concluding statement, the party said: “Our foundation is built on internal democracy, genuine patriotism, and a clear dedication to principled opposition. These ideals are not negotiable. We will continue to defend them against all forms of manipulation or shortcuts, no matter how influential the individual may be.”
The SDP further encouraged all Nigerians who believe in progress, good governance, and accountable leadership to embrace the party — but to do so the right way. According to the party, true membership begins not with a public declaration, but with genuine engagement at the community level.
El-Rufai’s Defection: A Case of Political Misalignment?
El-Rufai, who recently resigned from the APC, cited a growing misalignment between his personal values and the direction of the party as his reason for leaving. Many had speculated that he would play a prominent role in reshaping opposition politics, particularly with increasing whispers of a potential presidential ambition.
However, his attempt to realign with the SDP appears to have hit a brick wall, with the party not only rejecting his membership but publicly calling out what it described as deceptive and unlawful conduct.
Political analysts are already weighing the implications of this development. Some argue that El-Rufai may still resurface under another political umbrella, particularly with the 2027 elections approaching. Others see this as a significant setback in his political trajectory.
For now, the former governor faces a 30-year political exile from one of Nigeria’s emerging opposition parties — a move that could reshape not only his career but also the broader opposition realignment in the country.