El-Rufai expelled from SDP for 30 years over false membership claims, forgery, and political manipulation. SDP affirms he never registered at the ward level

El-Rufai Expelled from SDP in what the party has described as an unprecedented move to preserve its integrity and internal democracy.

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The Social Democratic Party (SDP) announced on Monday that former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has been expelled and banned for 30 years from associating with the party in any form.

The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) accused El-Rufai of forgery, false membership claims, and attempting to destabilise the party through deceptive political tactics.

According to a statement by SDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, El-Rufai never lawfully joined the party, despite publicly announcing on social media that he had done so.

“El-Rufai failed to register at his ward in Kaduna, forged documents to misrepresent his membership, and exploited suspended party leaders to legitimize his false claims,” the statement read.

SDP revealed that internal investigations uncovered deliberate misinformation and an attempt by El-Rufai to draw the SDP into an unapproved coalition while maintaining active ties with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The party emphasized that El-Rufai’s “unpleasant history of persecuting the SDP while in office” contributed to its decision to excommunicate him.

“He was given the benefit of the doubt, but instead of following due process, he self-registered and claimed to be member number 001 in a ward that already had registered members,” the party stated.

As a result, El-Rufai has been barred from applying for SDP membership or identifying with the party in any capacity until 2055.

The SDP has called on INEC and other institutions to recognize that El-Rufai is not and has never been a registered member of the party.

The move follows El-Rufai’s dramatic exit from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing ideological differences.

His attempt to pivot into the SDP was initially welcomed by some until investigations revealed irregularities in his claims.

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SDP reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, internal democracy, and lawful membership onboarding, warning that political ambition must not override constitutional processes.