SDP disowns El-Rufai
In a clear and forceful statement on Friday in Kaduna, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) officially disowned former Kaduna State governor Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai. The party leadership made it abundantly clear that El‑Rufai is not a member—has never been—and is not authorized to speak, act, or represent the SDP in any capacity Reddit+13Vanguard News+13The Nation Newspaper+13.
Key Points from the SDP Press Briefing:
- No membership record: SDP North-West Zonal Secretary Alhaji Idris Inuwa confirmed that El‑Rufai did not register at his ward, local government, or state chapter—nor was he ever issued any membership card or mandate
- Unauthorized representations: The party accused him of attending policy dialogues, stakeholder meetings, and strategy sessions while falsely claiming to represent SDP interests—all without any approval from the national leadership
- Vote of no confidence: SDP issued a formal vote of no confidence in El‑Rufai, labeling his actions as impersonation and reputational sabotage. They also warned that further impersonation by him or his allies may prompt the NEC to convene a committee and expose their misdeeds publicly.
Background of the Defection Standoff
El‑Rufai formally defected from the APC to the SDP in March 2025, citing misalignment with the ruling party’s direction. He met with SDP national leadership and publicly announced his new affiliation—despite local chapters claiming no record of his membership.
Soon after, SDP youth groups and state executives pushed back—labeling him “unfit,” “morally unqualified,” and warning that he was attempting to hijack the party for personal political gain. Further, state chairmen across the country cautioned new defectors, including El‑Rufai, to respect procedural admission rules and not force changes to party structures Reddit+15Punch+15TheCable+15.
🧭 What This Means
- El‑Rufai’s claims illegitimate: Any statements or political engagements under the SDP banner by him are to be disregarded.
- Internal dispute escalating: The schism between the national leadership and defected figures like El‑Rufai reflects growing internal tensions and issues of party cohesion.
- Signal to defectors: SDP leadership insists that anyone who wishes to join must follow constitutional procedures—starting at the ward level—not through backroom deals.