SDP Expels El-Rufai, Slams 30-Year Ban Over Alleged Forgery, Anti-Party Activities

By Aremu Toyeebaht

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and banned him from associating with the party for 30 years.

The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced the decision on Monday in Abuja, citing El-Rufai’s alleged forgery, false membership claims, and attempts to destabilize the party through unconstitutional activities.

According to the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, investigations revealed that El-Rufai never formally registered as an SDP member at the ward level as required by the party’s constitution, yet falsely claimed membership on social media.“El-Rufai forged documents claiming membership and took photo opportunities with suspended party leaders to reinforce this falsehood,” the statement read.

The party further accused El-Rufai of engaging in backdoor political dealings and aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to form an unapproved coalition, which it described as a violation of party principles and Nigeria’s Electoral Act.

The party emphasized that under its constitution, it reserves the exclusive right to determine its membership status. “Consequently, El-Rufai has been banished and banned from applying for membership, identifying with the name, insignia, or participating in any SDP affairs for a period of 30 years, effective immediately,” the statement added.

The SDP also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to note El-Rufai’s non-member status, warning that he is not authorized to act or speak on behalf of the party.