SDP Expels El-Rufai, Bans Him from Party for 30 Years Over Forged Membership and Misconduct

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and barred him from associating with the party in any form for the next 30 years. The decision, made by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), follows accusations that El-Rufai falsely presented himself as a member, forged documents, and attempted to destabilize the party through deceptive and unconstitutional actions.

In a statement released on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, the NWC stated that El-Rufai never officially registered with the SDP at the ward level, as mandated by the party’s constitution. Despite this, he had publicly declared his membership on social media and even staged photo opportunities with suspended party leaders to support his claim.

“El-Rufai never registered with the SDP at his ward level as required by the party’s constitution, yet falsely declared on social media that he had joined the party,” the statement read. “He forged documents claiming membership and took photo opportunities with suspended party leaders to reinforce this falsehood.”

The NWC said the former governor’s actions had sown division within the party and jeopardized its ideological integrity. Initially, the party extended the benefit of the doubt to El-Rufai, given his status as a former minister and governor. However, investigations confirmed that the Kaduna State chapter of the party was correct in asserting he had not joined officially.

SDP noted that El-Rufai’s behavior was particularly troubling given his past political record. During his time as Kaduna governor under the APC, he reportedly displayed intolerance toward opposition parties like the SDP. The NWC expressed concern over his recent alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), even as he claimed affiliation with the SDP.

“Having confirmed that he publicly declared for the ADC and continued to act in a manner contrary to the principles and practices of the SDP, the party has no option but to disassociate and excommunicate him,” the statement continued.

Effective immediately, El-Rufai is prohibited from applying for membership, identifying with the SDP’s name, logo, or participating in any of its affairs for the next three decades. The party has also notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant institutions of his non-member status.

The NWC further revealed that El-Rufai proposed an elaborate welcome ceremony at the party’s national secretariat, but the request was declined. He was advised instead to complete a standard registration process at his ward in Kaduna, which he ignored. Rather than comply, he allegedly forged a self-generated membership document, declaring himself as “number 001” in the SDP register for Unguwar Sarki Ward—a claim dismissed as false and inconsistent with official records.

The SDP reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy and transparency, urging all prospective members to follow the correct procedures. The party emphasized that El-Rufai’s expulsion serves as a warning to political actors who seek to bypass due process for personal gain.

El-Rufai’s defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had recently made headlines, with the former governor citing irreconcilable differences between his values and the APC’s current direction. However, the SDP maintains that his attempt to rebrand himself under its banner was not only dishonest but detrimental to the party’s unity.