The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has taken disciplinary action against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, expelling him from the party and prohibiting him from participating in the party activities for 30 years.
The decision was made due to allegations of impersonation, anti-party conduct, and attempts to destabilize the organisation.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced the decision following an extensive investigation into El-Rufai’s controversial membership claims
El-Rufai was accused of falsely claiming SDP membership and engaging in destabilising activities within the party.
The party said that El-Rufai was never a registered member of the SDP, having failed to lawfully register at his ward, Unguwar Sarki in Kaduna North Local Government Area.
The statement also said despite the, he allegedly announced on social media that he had joined the party, prompting congratulatory messages and goodwill from several SDP leaders.
“Rather than register lawfully with the Ward Executives, this individual simply forged his own documents and self-registered and arrogated to himself ‘number 001 in the SDP membership register of Unguwar Sarki Ward, Kaduna North Local Government Area as if the Ward had no single member prior to his purported joining, ” the statement said.
The statement also alleged that the former governor, now aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he declared as the chosen vehicle for a coalition, engaged in destabilising activities within the SDP.
These include backing an “illegal” National Executive Committee meeting and promoting the party’s name without authorisation in various political dealings.
Confirming its decision, the NWC declared, “the NWC therefore and hereby decides that by confirming and ratifying the denunciation of Nasir Elrufai which was earlier done by his Unguwar Sarki Ward, Kaduna North Local Government Area and Kaduna State Executive Committee in Kaduna State.
”The SDP at all levels disassociates, disclaims, disfellowships, excommunicates Nasir El-Rufai as a member of the SDP; and to the extent that he purportedly claims membership by self registration or any other means.
”Nasir El-Rufai is consequently expelled from the membership of the Social Democratic Party anywhere in Nigeria and globally.”
The NWC said El-Rufai’s “acts of gross indiscipline” were contrary to the SDP Constitution and its core values of party discipline, moral integrity, and ideological clarity.
El-Rufai’s actions were deemed contrary to the SDP’s constitution and core values, leading to his expulsion and prohibition from party activities until July 28, 2055.
The SDP has notified relevant institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of its decision and reaffirmed its commitment to principled opposition and internal democracy.
