The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kaduna State has once again distanced itself from former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, over alleged claims of affiliation with the party.
At a press conference held in Kaduna on Friday, the SDP North-West Zonal Secretary, Alhaji Idris Inuwa, categorically disowned El-Rufai, accusing him of falsely presenting himself as a leader and representative of the party in recent public appearances.
“It is now public knowledge that, penultimate week, one Malam Nasiru El-Rufai — flanked by a band of meddlesome politicians in Kaduna State — attended a gathering where he brazenly and falsely claimed to speak for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), arrogating to himself a leadership role he neither holds nor deserves,” Inuwa stated.
The party described El-Rufai’s actions as fraudulent and misleading, stressing that he is neither a registered member nor a recognized stakeholder within the SDP at the state or national level.
According to the party, the former governor has reportedly appeared at multiple forums, including policy dialogues and stakeholder meetings, allegedly representing the SDP without any form of authorization.
“Let it be made unequivocally clear to all: Malam El-Rufai is not authorized, mandated, or recognized by the SDP in any capacity to represent its interests, articulate its positions, or speak on its behalf,” Inuwa said.
The party emphasized that all such actions were undertaken without the knowledge or approval of the national leadership, including the Acting National Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, and National Secretary, Chief (Dr.) Olu Agunloye.
“Our membership records are updated regularly and open to verification. There is no trace of Malam El-Rufai’s name. He has never participated in any of our official programs, strategy sessions, or constitutional decision-making processes,” the statement added.
The SDP urged members of the public, political stakeholders, and the media to disregard any statements or representations made by El-Rufai in the name of the party, declaring such claims “null and void.”
This marks the second time the party has had to publicly refute links to the former governor, as speculations around his political realignment continue to generate controversy in Kaduna State and beyond.
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