The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced the expulsion of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from its ranks and imposed a 30-year ban preventing any future affiliation with the party.
The decision, disclosed in an official statement by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), was described as consistent with the SDP’s constitution, guiding principles, and the broader legal framework governing political parties in Nigeria.
SDP spokesperson Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, who signed the statement, emphasized that the party retains the exclusive right to determine its membership in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act.
“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. “He is also prohibited from donating to, supporting, contributing to, or participating in any affairs of the SDP for a period of 30 years effective from today.”
The party also warned members against associating with El-Rufai or others who do not align with its objectives, warning of disciplinary actions for any breach.
El-Rufai had joined the SDP after exiting the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he served two terms as governor and held various national-level roles.
His expulsion comes amid his growing involvement in an opposition coalition that recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform for the 2027 general elections. El-Rufai is considered a prominent figure in the evolving political realignment ahead of the next presidential race.
