SDP Expels El-Rufai, Bans Him for 30 Years Over False Membership and Misconduct

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and imposed a 30-year ban on his participation in party activities, following allegations of false membership claims and serious misconduct.

In a statement released Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party asserted that El-Rufai never completed the mandatory registration process at his ward, as stipulated by the SDP constitution. Instead, he allegedly forged documentation, took photographs with suspended party officials, and falsely announced on social media that he had become a registered member.

The SDP further accused El-Rufai of maintaining ties with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and attempting to draw the SDP into an unauthorized coalition. According to the party, his actions amounted to “gross indiscipline, manipulation, and impersonation,” creating internal discord and threatening the unity of the organization.

Additional allegations include an attempt by El-Rufai to self-register and declare himself “number 001” in his ward without legitimate sanction, as well as efforts to organize an illegal National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to destabilize SDP’s structure through what the party called dishonest political maneuvering.

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Following a review by the National Working Committee (NWC), the party declared El-Rufai’s immediate excommunication. He is now prohibited from identifying with the SDP, using its symbols or name, or participating in any party activity until July 28, 2055.

The SDP has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the public to recognize that El-Rufai holds no membership status in the party and called on all prospective members to adhere strictly to lawful and transparent registration protocols, emphasizing the party’s dedication to discipline, fairness, and ideological integrity.