SDP Expels Nasir El-Rufai Over Fake Membership Claims
By DAYO ADESULU
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai, former Kaduna governor, declaring him ineligible to associate with the party in any capacity for the next 30 years. This drastic decision follows revelations that he falsely claimed to join the party and tried manipulating internal processes.
SDP Expels El‑Rufai: Fake Membership and Political Subterfuge
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party confirmed the 30‑year ban in a statement issued in Abuja. National Publicity Secretary Araba Aiyenigba explained the party’s position. Despite El‑Rufai’s public declarations, investigations revealed he never legally registered at his ward level in Kaduna as required by the party constitution. Instead, he allegedly forged documents to reinforce his false claim. The scandal included staged photo-opportunities with suspended Social Democratic Party leaders, aimed at creating a misleading impression of party acceptance.
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El‑Rufai Never Registered But Claimed Membership
In his social media announcement, El‑Rufai purported to have joined the SDP. That claim triggered congratulatory messages from key party figures. However, the SDP’s Kaduna State executives refuted his membership claim, stating he aligned himself with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and worked to draw the Social Democratic Party into an unapproved political coalition. The NWC confirmed he was never legally registered with the Unguwar Sarki Ward in Kaduna North LGA, and the purported number “001” was fabricated.
Problematic Internal Actions Prompt Harsh Penalty
El‑Rufai’s behavior conflicted with SDP’s values. The party accused him of “unconstitutional actions and deceptive political manoeuvres” designed to destabilise the party. He was also criticized for a history of intolerance toward opposition during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State under APC. These combined activities led to a unanimous decision to disassociate him permanently from Social Democratic Party.
Thirty-Year Ban: SDP Sends a Strong Signal
The 30‑year ban reflects SDP’s adherence to internal governance and discipline. The party cited key constitutional principles:
- The Social Democratic Party constitution mandates ward-level registration
- Political parties have exclusive authority to determine membership per the Electoral Act
- Unauthorized individuals must not claim affiliation
As a result, El‑Rufai is now banned from using Social Democratic Party insignia, participating in any internal affairs, or claiming representation.
INEC and Public Institutions Notified of El‑Rufai’s Status
The Social Democratic Party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other institutions to recognize El‑Rufai’s non-member status. He has no legal right to represent Social Democratic Party positions or speak on its behalf. The party reassured Nigerians of its commitment to transparent internal democracy, patriotism, and principled opposition.
Why the Expulsion Matters: Political Integrity at Stake
| Concern Area | Significance |
|---|---|
| Internal Governance | Reinforces necessity of constitutional membership procedures |
| Political Credibility | Prevents misrepresentation by high-profile figures |
| Party Unity | Discourages factionalism and destabilising manoeuvres |
| Public Trust | Upholds transparency and trust in political operations |
By taking this firm stance, Social Democratic Party sends a message about its zero tolerance for leadership deception and manipulation.
Background: El‑Rufai’s Political Shift to SDP
El‑Rufai recently announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a mismatch between his personal values and the party’s direction. He publicly declared his decision to join SDP. But his unilateral claim without legal process triggered suspicion and led to investigations confirming his alignment with ADC activities instead of SDP’s ideological base.
Conclusion: SDP Reasserts Its Value System
The Social Democratic Party expels El‑Rufai episode illustrates how party structures enforce constitutional membership rules and reject internal destabilisation. By enforcing this long-term ban, the Social Democratic Party reinforces its commitment to:
- Upholding procedural legitimacy
- Maintaining ideological coherence
- Upholding transparent and accountable politics
The message is clear: political credibility must be earned through lawful means—especially for those seeking leadership and symbolic stature within parties.
