The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and barred him from all party activities for the next 30 years.
In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP accused El-Rufai of falsely claiming membership and engaging in activities that undermined the party’s unity and stability.
“Upon thorough inquiry, it turned out that the Kaduna State chapter was correct, El-Rufai never formally joined the SDP,” the statement said.
The party alleged that El-Rufai impersonated a member, forged registration documents, and falsely presented himself as “number 001” in the SDP membership register of Unguwar Sarki Ward, Kaduna North Local Government Area.
Initially, the party said it gave El-Rufai the benefit of the doubt due to his status as a former minister and governor.
However, it noted that his claim of joining the party, which he announced via social media, was never backed by formal ward-level registration as required by the party’s constitution.
The statement further accused El-Rufai of using the party’s name without authorization in various forums and allegedly offering financial inducements to influence internal dynamics.
“Comradeship gave way to disunity, distrust, intrigues and manipulations,” it said.
The SDP also claimed El-Rufai attempted to destabilize the party through unconstitutional moves, including an aborted attempt to convene an illegal National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 25, 2025.
“The SDP at all levels disassociates, disclaims, dis-fellowships and excommunicates El-Rufai,” the statement declared.
“He is consequently expelled from the membership of the Social Democratic Party anywhere in Nigeria and globally.”
The party concluded by imposing a sweeping ban on El-Rufai, barring him from applying for membership, using the party’s name or symbols, or participating in any SDP-related activity for 30 years, effective immediately.
