…Accuses Ex-Kaduna Governor of Anti-Party Activities, Brazen Indiscipline
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has handed a 30-year suspension to former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, over what it described as “grossly unconstitutional and brazenly bizarre pronouncements and gambits” aimed at destabilizing the party.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, and dated Monday, July 28, 2025, the SDP National Working Committee (NWC) announced that it had confirmed and ratified El-Rufai’s earlier denunciation and expulsion by the Unguwar Sarki Ward in Kaduna North Local Government Area, as well as the Kaduna State Executive Committee of the party.
According to the statement, the decision to suspend El-Rufai for three decades is in accordance with the provisions of the SDP Constitution (2022 as amended), particularly Articles 19.1, 19.3(i), and 19.5, which empower the NWC to take disciplinary measures against erring members.
The party alleged that El-Rufai had, through public statements and actions, openly declared allegiance to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he identified as the platform for a so-called political coalition. It also accused him of attempting to drag the SDP dishonestly into the coalition “through the back door” for personal political gain.
The statement reads in part:
“The NWC hereby decides that by confirming and ratifying the denunciation of Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, earlier done by his Unguwar Sarki Ward, Kaduna North Local Government Area, and Kaduna State Executive Committee, the SDP at all levels disassociates, disclaims, disfellowships, [and] excommunicates Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai as a member of the SDP.
To the extent that he purportedly claims membership by self-registration or any other means, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is consequently expelled from the membership of the Social Democratic Party anywhere in Nigeria and globally.”
The party further stated that El-Rufai’s 30-year suspension is also linked to his alleged sponsorship of a group of dissidents who convened what it described as an “illegal National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting” on Friday, July 25, 2025.
In addition to being expelled, El-Rufai has been barred from applying for membership or associating with the party in any form — including using its name, insignia, logo, symbols, organs, agencies, or activities — for the duration of the 30-year suspension, which will last until July 28, 2055.
“Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is hereby banished and banned from applying to the membership, identifying with the name, insignia, logo, symbol, mark or any activities, organs, agencies and institutions of the SDP or donating to, supporting, contributing to, or participating in any affairs of the SDP for a period of 30 (thirty) years effective from today,” the party declared.
The SDP also informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant institutions of El-Rufai’s non-member status and ineligibility for any form of recognition or representation under the party’s name.
The party reiterated its commitment to “national patriotism, party discipline, ideological clarity, moral rectitude, candour, honour, integrity, principled opposition, fair contest and internal democracy.”
It further called on Nigerians who believe in the ideals of the SDP to join the party’s effort towards “abolition of corruption and farewell to poverty and insecurity,” without indulging in duplicity or cutting corners.
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