The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and barred him from associating with the party in any capacity for the next 30 years.
The party accused El-Rufai of falsely claiming to be a member, forging documents, attempting to manipulate internal processes, and working to destabilize the party through “deceptive political maneuvers.”
The expulsion was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, who said the decision followed thorough investigations into El-Rufai’s alleged backdoor political activities and claims of membership, which the party said were never formalized according to its constitution.
“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-ops with suspended party leaders to reinforce this false narrative.”
The NWC stated that while El-Rufai initially received a letter of support and public congratulations from SDP leaders—based on his own claims—the party’s investigation later confirmed that he never completed the required registration process at his ward in Unguwar Sarki, Kaduna North LGA.
“Rather than go through the lawful process, he fabricated documents and assigned himself ‘number 001’ in the membership register of his ward—disregarding existing party records,” the statement added.
SDP also accused El-Rufai of publicly associating with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while simultaneously attempting to draw the SDP into an unapproved coalition.
“Having declared for the ADC and continued to act contrary to SDP principles, the party has no option but to disassociate from him.
Effective immediately, he is banned from applying for membership or engaging with the SDP in any form—symbolically or administratively—for a period of 30 years,” the statement read.
The party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant institutions to take note that El-Rufai is not, and has never been, a registered member of the SDP. It warned that he is not authorized to speak or act on the party’s behalf.
The SDP reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, rule of law, and transparent party processes, urging all prospective members to follow due process.
“Apparently seeking to distance himself from his past, El-Rufai proposed an elaborate welcome ceremony at the SDP National Secretariat in Abuja,” the party noted.
“He was advised to begin at his ward level like every other member. Instead, he ignored the lawful process and forged a self-styled entry.”
El-Rufai had recently announced his resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing growing ideological differences and dissatisfaction with the party’s direction.
