📰 Overview
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has officially expelled former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, banning him from party membership or participation for 30 years. The decision stems from alleged forgery of membership documents, false claims of party affiliation, and attempts to destabilize the party's internal structure
Premium Times Nigeria
TheCable
🔍Why Was El-Rufai Banned?
According to the SDP's National Working Committee (NWC), el-Rufai never completed the legally required registration at his local ward in Unguwar Sarki, Kaduna North LGA, despite publicly claiming membership. Instead, he allegedly self-assigned “number 001” as his membership number and produced forged documents to reinforce his claims
Daily Post Nigeria
TheCable
The party accused him of staging photo-ops with suspended SDP leaders to give the impression of legitimacy and align with other parties—most notably the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—without authorization.
🏛️Party's Official Statement
Signed by SDP National Publicity Secretary Araba Aiyenigba, the statement noted that el‑Rufai's actions contravened the SDP constitution, the party's manifesto, and the Electoral Act which guarantees parties the exclusive right to define membership.
El-Rufai was accused of gross indiscipline, misinformation, and internal manipulation that undermined the party's unity and core values
Sahara Reporters
The Nation Newspaper
⚖️ Implications of the Ban
El‑Rufai is barred from associating with SDP, using its logo or participating in any party activities inside or outside Nigeria for the next three decades
Premium Times Nigeria
Sahara Reporters
SDP has alerted INEC and the media to recognize his non-member status immediately.
His public overtures to form political coalitions and align with ADC are deemed unauthorized and destabilizing by the SDP leadership.
🧭 What Prompted the Action?
El‑Rufai's political journey recently included leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) and hinting at a presidential ambition in 2027. His public claims of support and membership in the SDP and ADC coalition triggered internal investigations, leading to the expulsion decision
nigerianobservernews.com
The Nation Newspaper
📌 Final Thoughts
The SDP ban on Nasir el-Rufai underscores the party's commitment to internal discipline, transparency, and ideological consistency. It also speaks to the turbulent dynamics shaping Nigeria's opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources
Tools