The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has formally expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from its fold, while also imposing a 30-year ban on him for alleged anti-party activities and conduct deemed contrary to the party’s core values.
The decision, announced by the SDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), was made public on Wednesday through a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba.
According to the statement, El-Rufai’s expulsion and long-term ban were executed in accordance with the provisions of the SDP constitution, its ideological stance, and in line with the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which grant political parties the exclusive right to regulate their 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 or donating to, supporting, contributing to, or participating in any affairs of the SDP for a period of 30 years effective from today,” the statement read in part.
The party also warned its members against associating with the former governor or with individuals and groups that do not represent the interests of the SDP.
El-Rufai, a former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had recently defected to the SDP following his departure from the ruling party. His expulsion comes amid his rising profile within the opposition bloc, which has in recent weeks coalesced around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a possible platform for the 2027 general elections.
Although the SDP did not elaborate on the specific infractions that led to the disciplinary action, sources within the party hint at El-Rufai’s involvement in parallel political activities that allegedly conflict with the party’s objectives.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, El-Rufai remains a prominent figure in the evolving opposition alliance, raising questions about the potential political implications of his fallout with the SDP.
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