The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and banned him from any affiliation with the party for a period of 30 years.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba, said the decision followed a thorough investigation into allegations of gross misconduct, false claims of membership, forgery, and impersonation.
Reasons for El-Rufai’s suspension
According to Aiyenigba, El-Rufai was found to have falsely claimed membership of the SDP without completing any lawful registration process. He was said to have paraded himself as a member of the party and even declared himself “Number 001” in a supposed ward register that, upon scrutiny, was found to be non-existent.
“The party discovered that El-Rufai forged registration documents and presented himself as a registered member, when in fact he was not. He also engaged in acts that undermined the integrity and credibility of the SDP, including unauthorized representations in public and media appearances, without any mandate from the party,” the statement read.
The SDP further alleged that the former governor attempted to mislead the public by suggesting the party was part of an alliance with another political party. The party insisted that at no time did its leadership approve such an alignment or give El-Rufai permission to speak or act on its behalf.
It was also revealed that El-Rufai orchestrated and financed an illegal National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 25, 2025, where he and his associates purported to make decisions for the party without constitutional backing.
“His actions were clearly aimed at destabilizing the party, misrepresenting its position to the Nigerian public, and hijacking its structure for personal political gain,” Aiyenigba said.
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) reviewed the findings of its investigative panel and passed a resolution expelling El-Rufai from the SDP. It also imposed a 30-year ban on him from engaging in or associating with any organ or activity of the party.
“This means that he cannot be registered, recognized, or allowed to participate in any way in the affairs of the Social Democratic Party for the next 30 years,” the party spokesperson emphasized.
The SDP urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the media, and the general public to take note of the development and disregard any claim or representation made by El-Rufai in relation to the party.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the party’s commitment to transparency, internal democracy, and the protection of its institutional identity from unlawful encroachment.
