SDP Bans El-Rufai For 30 Years

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, from the party.
In a statement signed by the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party said el-Rufai was ineligible to associate with the party in any capacity for the next 30 years.
The party also accused el-Rufai of falsely parading himself as a party member, manipulating internal processes, and attempting to destabilise the party through unconstitutional actions and deceptive political maneuvers.
According to the statement, the party’s NWC reached the decision following thorough investigations into el-Rufai’s controversial claims of membership and his alleged backdoor political activities.
Aiyenigba said: “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.
“He further forged documents claiming membership and took photo opportunities with suspended party leaders to reinforce this falsehood”.
According to the SDP, el-Rufai’s conduct was marked by “gross indiscipline, misinformation, inducement, and manipulation,” which allegedly fueled internal divisions and threatened the party’s unity and ideological integrity.
SDP also accused him of aligning with another political party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), while trying to draw the SDP into an unapproved political coalition.
SDP said; “Having confirmed that he publicly declared for the ADC and continued to act in a manner contrary to the principles and practices of the SDP, the party has no option but to dissociate and excommunicate him.
“Consequently, el-Rufai has been banished and banned from applying to the membership, identifying with the name, insignia, logo, or participating in any affairs of the SDP for a period of 30 years, effective immediately”.
The SDP called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant institutions to take note of el-Rufai’s non-member status, warning that he was not authorised to act or speak on behalf of the party.
Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, national patriotism, and principled opposition, the party urged all Nigerians aspiring to join its ranks to do so through lawful and transparent means.