The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from its fold and imposed a 30-year ban on him, marking a dramatic turn in the party’s internal politics.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the SDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), which cited violations of the party’s constitution, principles, and ideological commitments as grounds for the decision.
According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, El-Rufai’s expulsion and subsequent ban were also in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act, both of which uphold a political party’s exclusive right to determine its membership.
“El-Rufai is hereby banished and banned from applying for membership, identifying with the name, insignia, logo, symbol, mark, or any activities, organs, agencies, and institutions of the SDP,” the statement read. It further warned all members against associating with El-Rufai or any individuals whose actions contradict the party’s values.
The 30-year restriction also bars the former governor from donating to or participating in any activities of the party.
El-Rufai had joined the SDP after resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC). His political shift stirred debates, especially as he remains a prominent figure in the opposition coalition that recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its preferred platform for the 2027 general elections.
The SDP’s move is seen as a bold step to assert its ideological identity and distance itself from elements perceived as disruptive to its unity and political direction.
