SDP Expels Ex-Kaduna Governor El-Rufai, Bans Him for 30 Years

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and barred him from associating with the party for the next 30 years.

In a statement released Monday by National Publicity Secretary Araba Aiyenigba, the party accused El-Rufai of falsely claiming SDP membership, forging documents, manipulating internal processes, and attempting to destabilize the party.

According to the statement, El-Rufai never registered with the party at his ward level as required, yet declared on social media that he had joined. He allegedly took photos with suspended party officials and forged membership documents to support his claim.

The party said investigations revealed El-Rufai’s alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as well as attempts to drag the SDP into unauthorized political coalitions. He was also accused of past hostility toward the party while serving as Kaduna State governor under the APC.

“In view of these findings,” the statement read, “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.”

The SDP urged INEC and other authorities to disregard any political activity undertaken by El-Rufai in the name of the party, reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and lawful membership processes.