The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has rejected the membership claim of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, and has announced his 30-year expulsion from the party.
The decision was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, following reports submitted by the Kaduna State chapter of the party.
Aiyenigba said El-Rufai was found to have neither registered at his ward—a fundamental membership requirement—nor formally joined the party, despite publicly claiming affiliation on social media.
“Initially, El-Rufai was given the benefit of the doubt due to his status as a former minister and governor,” Aiyenigba stated. “But upon investigation, it became clear he had no legitimate membership status within the party.”
According to the party, El-Rufai allegedly forged documents to falsely present himself as the “number 001” on the party’s ward register, falsely portraying himself as the first and leading member of his ward.
He was also accused of staging photo opportunities with party officials to falsely legitimise his association, as well as using the SDP’s name in political forums without authorization—actions the NWC described as misleading, destabilizing, and contrary to party policy.
“El-Rufai has a documented history of intolerance towards the SDP as an opposition party, which raises further questions about his motives,” the statement read.
The party added that El-Rufai’s planned elaborate welcome ceremony at the SDP National Secretariat was halted after it was deemed inappropriate and suspicious.
The NWC, citing Articles 19.1, 19.3(i), and 19.5 of the SDP Constitution (2022 as amended), confirmed and ratified his expulsion, describing his conduct as a gross violation of party rules and an attempt to undermine its unity and credibility.
“His activities have resulted in disunity and distrust among members. This expulsion is necessary to protect the party’s integrity,” Aiyenigba concluded.
