El-Rufai SDP expulsion reaffirmed as party chairmen insist the former Kaduna governor remains banned for 30 years amid deepening party crisis
El-Rufai SDP expulsion has been reaffirmed by the Forum of 37 State Chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who insist that the former Kaduna State governor remains barred from the party for 30 years.
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The confirmation came amid mounting rumours that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai was plotting a return to the party ahead of its next national convention — a move the forum has described as impossible.
Speaking in Abuja, the forum’s chairman, Femi Olaniyi, said there was “no going back” on El-Rufai’s expulsion, which was ratified by the National Working Committee (NWC). He emphasised that the decision was final and beyond dispute.
“El-Rufai happened to join this party from the back door,” Olaniyi stated. “If you recall our press conference on April 3, 2025, we clearly stated that anyone wishing to join the party must do so through their ward via the state chairman.
The case of El-Rufai is not something we need to expatiate on now, but as earlier announced, the NWC — which we fully supported — has suspended El-Rufai for 30 years, and that decision stands.”
The reaffirmation of the El-Rufai SDP expulsion comes at a time of deep internal crisis within the party, widely regarded as Nigeria’s oldest surviving third-force political platform.
Rival factions have been locked in a bitter struggle, trading allegations of corruption, illegitimacy, and manipulation.
The forum of state chairmen insists the party must undergo what it called “a clinical surgery to excise the cancer of Gabamism,” referring to the camp loyal to suspended National Chairman Shehu Gabam.
However, Gabam’s faction continues to resist, paving the way for what many analysts predict will be a prolonged legal and political showdown.
Efforts to reach El-Rufai’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, proved unsuccessful as calls and messages were not returned at press time.
El-Rufai’s troubles with the SDP began in July when the NWC expelled him, accusing the former governor of forging registration documents and attempting to manipulate internal structures for personal gain.
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Despite the controversy, the forum insists its latest move is a powerful reaffirmation of party discipline and a warning to those attempting to undermine its unity.
