In a dramatic political development, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and barred him from all party activities for the next 30 years, citing allegations of forgery, impersonation, and anti-party activities.
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced the decision on Monday through a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, in Abuja. The expulsion, which has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape, comes after what the party described as a “thorough investigation” into El-Rufai’s controversial claims of membership and covert political dealings.
“El-Rufai never registered with the SDP at his ward level as required by the party’s constitution, yet falsely declared on social media that he had joined the party,” Aiyenigba said in the statement. “This amounted to brazen impersonation.”
According to Hobnob News, the SDP accused El-Rufai of forging membership documents and declaring himself ‘member number 001’ of the Unguwar Sarki Ward in Kaduna North LGA — despite never completing the official registration process. The party stated that while initial congratulatory messages and even a letter of support were extended to him out of respect for his former status, subsequent investigations by the Kaduna State SDP chapter revealed his membership claim was fraudulent.
“At the initial stage, this individual was given the benefit of the doubt given his status as an elder, former Minister, and State Governor,” the NWC stated. “However, upon inquiry, it became evident that El-Rufai had not joined the SDP as required by law.”
The party also alleged that El-Rufai had been actively aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while attempting to drag the SDP into an unauthorized coalition arrangement — an act the party considered a betrayal of its principles.
“He publicly declared for the ADC and maintained actions that directly violated SDP’s integrity and independence. The party has no option but to excommunicate him,” the statement read.
The NWC further accused El-Rufai of engaging in staged photo-ops with the suspended SDP National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, to falsely reinforce his image as a party stalwart.
“Consequently, El-Rufai has been banished and banned from identifying with the name, insignia, logo, or participating in any affairs of the SDP for a period of 30 years,” the party declared.
In a clear move to distance itself from the former Kaduna Governor, the SDP called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all relevant authorities to note that El-Rufai is neither a member nor an authorized representative of the party.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy and transparency as it gears up for the 2027 general elections.
“We urge all Nigerians aspiring to join the SDP to do so through lawful and transparent means. Our doors are open to those who share our values and ideology,” Aiyenigba stated.
El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently resigned from the ruling party, citing ideological differences. At the time, he claimed to be joining the SDP to realign with democratic principles.
His expulsion now casts doubt on his political future. Analysts suggest the former governor might now fully commit to the ADC or even float a new political platform as the 2027 elections approach.
For now, the SDP’s unprecedented 30-year ban marks one of the most significant and controversial expulsions in Nigeria’s recent political history.
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