Party War Erupts: SDP NWC Boots El-Rufai, Kaduna Faction Fires Back

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has been plunged into fresh internal turmoil following the announcement by its National Working Committee (NWC) of a 30-year expulsion of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the party

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, accused El-Rufai of misrepresenting himself as a party member, falsifying membership credentials, and engaging in actions aimed at destabilizing the party.

“El-Rufai never officially registered with the SDP at the ward level, as required by the party’s constitution. Despite this, he falsely claimed membership on social media and presented forged documents to that effect,” Aiyenigba stated.

The NWC further alleged that El-Rufai aligned himself with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and attempted to drag the SDP into an unauthorized political coalition.

“Having publicly declared for ADC and continuously acting against the principles and values of the SDP, the party has no choice but to distance itself from him,” the statement added.

The NWC concluded that El-Rufai is barred from applying for membership, associating with the party’s name, symbols, or participating in any of its activities for the next 30 years, with immediate effect.

Kaduna SDP Fires Back, Dismisses Ban as Political Vendetta

However, in a swift and strong rebuttal, the Kaduna State chapter of the SDP rejected the expulsion, describing it as a smear campaign driven by suspended national officers.

Speaking to Punch, Kaduna SDP Publicity Secretary, Darius Kurah, maintained that El-Rufai remains a legitimate and respected member of the party in the North-West.

“This entire drama is a fallout of the NEC meeting held on July 25, 2025, where the national chairman and secretary were suspended for misappropriation and misconduct. Those behind El-Rufai’s so-called expulsion are the same suspended officials,” Kurah said.

He emphasized that no proper disciplinary process was followed before the expulsion was announced.

“According to our constitution, any disciplinary action must follow due process—there must be a formal petition, a fair hearing, and a disciplinary committee. None of that was done. This is clearly an attempt to discredit Malam El-Rufai.”

Kurah also said the state chapter had not received any formal communication regarding disciplinary actions against the former governor, reinforcing the claim that the expulsion is illegitimate.

“El-Rufai remains a valued leader and stakeholder in the SDP, especially in the North-West. As far as we’re concerned, he has committed no offence.”

He called on party members and the general public to disregard the announcement, urging the media to verify sensitive political information before publication.

“The SDP remains united and strong. No amount of propaganda or misinformation will derail our focus,” he concluded.