The Kaduna State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dismissed claims that former governor Nasir El-Rufai is a recognised member of the party in the state.
According to The PUNCH, El-Rufai and some All Progressives Congress (APC) members recently left the ruling party for the SDP. The former governor explained that he made the decision due to a widening gap between his personal principles and the APC’s current direction.
In a statement shared on his X handle, El-Rufai expressed dissatisfaction with the APC’s leadership, accusing it of abandoning the progressive values on which it was founded.
“As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC. Since 2013, I have hoped that my personal values and those of the APC will continue to align until I choose to retire from politics.”
However, at a press briefing in Kaduna on Friday, the SDP’s Assistant National Secretary for the Northwest zone, Idris Inuwa, described El-Rufai’s membership status as a rumour, stating that he had not followed the necessary procedures.
“It has come to our notice that certain individuals, including Nasir El-Rufai, are being rumored to have joined the SDP. However, neither the Chairman of the Kaduna North Local Government Chapter in Kaduna State, nor the leadership of Unguwar Sarki ward, has any record of these memberships,” Inuwa said.
He advised El-Rufai and others wishing to join the party to go through the proper registration process.
“We advise him and any other interested individuals to follow the proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party,” he said.
Inuwa also rejected reports of the dissolution of the Kaduna State SDP Working Committee, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of due process.
“The Kaduna State Executive Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) categorically rejects the purported dissolution of the State Working Committee as contained in a letter from the National Secretariat dated 25 February, 2025,” Inuwa said.
He insisted that the committee was elected through a valid State Congress and holds a four-year mandate.
“The Kaduna State Executive Committee is the legitimate outcome of a duly conducted State Congress, reflecting the will of the party members and adhering strictly to the party’s constitutional provisions. This body holds a four-year mandate that remains valid, binding, and legally recognised throughout its tenure.”
Inuwa further noted that dissolving a State Executive Committee requires a formal process, including an investigation, setting up a committee, and ensuring a transparent fair hearing. He argued that none of these steps had been taken.
“The SDP constitution states very clearly the process and procedure to follow in dissolving a State Exco; which includes but is not limited to initiating an investigation, setting up a committee, providing fair hearing transparently before a decision is taken; none of this was done—only the resort to the illegal unilateral letter of dissolution,” he said.
Inuwa concluded by reaffirming that the Kaduna SDP remains open to new members as long as they follow the party’s rules.
“While we recognize the growing interest of individuals and groups in joining the SDP, we emphasise that there are well-defined guidelines and constitutional provisions governing membership admission. The State Executive Council (Exco) remains open and welcoming to all prospective members who adhere to these established procedures,” he added.
