On Monday, July 28, 2025, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) announced a 30-year ban on former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, effective until July 28, 2055, for falsely claiming SDP membership and promoting rival party activities. In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Mr. Araba Rufus Aiyenigba in Abuja, the SDP accused El-Rufai of failing to register at his Unguwar Sarki Ward in Kaduna North LGA, forging membership documents, and self-declaring as “number 001” in the ward’s register. Despite photo opportunities with suspended SDP National Chairman Mr. Shehu Musa Gabam, El-Rufai was found to be advancing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, including figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, while destabilizing the SDP through cash inducements and sponsoring an illegal NEC meeting on July 25, 2025.
The SDP, citing its constitution and Nigeria’s Electoral Act, denounced El-Rufai’s actions as gross indiscipline, noting his history of alleged intolerance toward the party during his APC governorship. The NWC ratified Kaduna State SDP’s rejection of his membership, expelling him and barring him from SDP activities, logos, or donations. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant agencies were notified of his non-member status. Aiyenigba emphasized the SDP’s commitment to discipline, integrity, and internal democracy, urging Nigerians to join its fight against corruption and poverty without duplicity. X posts from July 26–28, 2025, by @KadunaObserver and @NaijaTruth reflect mixed sentiments, with some criticizing El-Rufai’s alleged opportunism and others questioning the SDP’s motives.
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