In a dramatic political development, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Monday announced the expulsion of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, from its ranks, slamming him with a 30-year ban from associating with the party over what it called “forgery, impersonation, and gross misconduct.”
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC), after what it described as “extensive investigation,” accused El-Rufai of falsely claiming SDP membership, forging party documents, and attempting to destabilise the party by aligning with rival political groups.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, the SDP revealed that El-Rufai never completed formal registration at his ward in Kaduna State, a constitutional requirement for party membership.
“Despite not registering, he falsely declared on social media that he had joined the SDP, even staging photos with suspended party officials to give credence to his claims,” the statement said.
The party further accused him of forging a self-issued membership card in which he assigned himself the number “001” for his ward, a move it described as deceitful and disrespectful.
El-Rufai had earlier resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing irreconcilable differences with the party’s direction under President Bola Tinubu.
Shortly after, he made public overtures to the SDP and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), fuelling speculation of a 2027 presidential ambition.
The SDP noted that El-Rufai’s political manoeuvres, including attempts to draw the party into a coalition without authorisation, were incompatible with the party’s values and discipline.
“Having declared for the ADC while falsely claiming SDP membership, El-Rufai’s actions show a pattern of deception and ambition without principle. He is henceforth barred from associating with the SDP for the next 30 years,” the statement concluded.
The party also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the general public to take note, stating categorically that El-Rufai is not and has never been a member of the SDP.
