SDP expels El-Rufai, imposes 30-Year ban over false party affiliation

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has formally expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and banned him from all party activities for 30 years.

The party said the decision was taken after El-Rufai was found to have falsely claimed membership, forged documents, and attempted to manipulate the party’s internal processes to serve his personal political ambitions.

According to a statement released on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, El-Rufai failed to fulfill the legal requirement of registering at his ward level in Kaduna State, despite publicly announcing his affiliation with the SDP on social media.

The Kaduna State chapter of the party had earlier confirmed that he was never a registered member and accused him of promoting the interests of another political party within the state.

The SDP revealed that El-Rufai went as far as forging his own membership documents and assigned himself the title of “number 001” in the Unguwar Sarki Ward membership register, despite contrary records.

He was also accused of falsely associating with some suspended national leaders of the party and taking photos to create an illusion of legitimacy.

The party alleged that El-Rufai’s activities have sown discord within its ranks, destabilized its internal structures, and eroded the peace that once characterized the party. It further stated that his involvement in what it described as “destabilizing schemes,” attempts to draw the SDP into a controversial political coalition, and efforts to convene an unauthorized NEC meeting were evidence of his deliberate strategy to undermine the party from within.

Citing Articles 19.1, 19.3(i), and 19.5 of the 2022 amended SDP Constitution, the NWC declared that El-Rufai is henceforth disassociated from all activities and representations of the party, both nationally and globally. He has also been barred from applying for membership or associating with the SDP in any form until July 28, 2055.

The statement concluded by informing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies of El-Rufai’s non-member status, and urged the public to disregard any claims he makes in the name of the SDP.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to discipline, integrity, and democratic values, and welcomed only sincere individuals willing to abide by its rules and ideology.