The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai, barring him from associating with the party in any form for the next 30 years.
In a statement released in Abuja by Araba Aiyenigba, the party’s national publicity secretary, the SDP stated that el-Rufai never officially registered as a member at the ward level as stipulated by the party’s constitution.
Despite this, Aiyenigba noted that el-Rufai had publicly declared himself a member on social media and allegedly presented “forged documents” to support his claim.
The party further accused the former governor of attempting to undermine its internal processes, spreading misinformation, and engaging in unconstitutional and deceitful political activities aimed at destabilising the party.
The SDP also claimed that el-Rufai aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and made efforts to involve the SDP in an unauthorised political alliance.
“Having confirmed that he publicly declared for the ADC and continued to act contrary to SDP principles, the party has no option but to disassociate and excommunicate him,” the statement reads.
The party called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant institutions not to acknowledge el-Rufai as an SDP member, stressing that he has no authority to represent or speak for the party.
“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 statement added.
The SDP said its decision aligns with the party’s constitution, principles, and Nigeria’s Electoral Act, emphasizing its exclusive right to determine party membership. The national working committee noted that despite denials from the Kaduna State chapter regarding el-Rufai’s membership, he has continued to associate himself with the party while actively promoting another political group.