Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, and barred him from any form of affiliation with the party for the next 30 years.
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision was announced in a statement issued in Abuja by Araba Aiyenigba, the party’s national publicity secretary.
According to the statement, el-Rufai never completed the required ward-level registration to become an official party member, as outlined in the SDP’s constitution. Despite this, he allegedly claimed membership on social media and presented forged documents to support the claim.
The party accused el-Rufai of attempting to manipulate its internal structures, spreading misinformation, and engaging in unconstitutional acts aimed at destabilising the party.
It also alleged that he aligned with African Democratic Congress (ADC) and tried to involve SDP in an unapproved political coalition.
SDP said, “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 party further directed Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to disregard any representation of el-Rufai as a member of the party.
It added, “ 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.”
SDP concluded that the action aligns with both its constitution and Nigeria’s electoral laws, emphasising the party’s right to determine and regulate its membership.
