The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and imposed a 30-year ban on his participation in the party’s activities.

This was announced in a statement released on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba.

According to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), El-Rufai’s expulsion aligns with the SDP’s constitution, ideology, and core principles, as well as provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and Electoral Act, which grant political parties exclusive rights to determine their membership.

The NWC warned party members and the general public not to engage with El-Rufai in any political capacity, stating that he is not recognized as a member and does not represent the SDP at any level.

The party also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to take note of El-Rufai’s non-member status, which remains in effect until July 28, 2055.

The statement explained that the expulsion followed a thorough review of El-Rufai’s actions and public conduct. Despite the assertion by the Kaduna State chapter that El-Rufai had not formally joined the party, he allegedly misrepresented himself as a member while promoting the interests of other political parties.

“At first, the party gave him the benefit of the doubt, owing to his status as a former minister and governor,” the statement read. “But upon thorough inquiry, it was confirmed that he never completed membership registration with the ward executive, despite claiming otherwise on social media.”

The SDP accused El-Rufai of falsely claiming to have joined the party and even assigning himself “number 001” in the membership register of Unguwar Sarki Ward, Kaduna North LGA—an act the party said constituted forgery and impersonation.

In addition, the statement alleged that El-Rufai leveraged photo opportunities with suspended SDP National Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam and other party leaders to further the illusion of membership.

The party also recalled El-Rufai’s past antagonism toward the SDP while serving as Kaduna State governor under the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing him of intolerance and political persecution of opposition parties.

Further justifying the 30-year ban, the NWC stated:

“El-Rufai engaged in dishonest political maneuvers, including attempting to drag the SDP into an unauthorized coalition and declaring support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in defiance of the party’s stance. He also sponsored dissident elements to stage an illegal National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 25, 2025.”

The party described his conduct as a gross violation of discipline and cited Articles 19.1, 19.3(i), and 19.5 of the SDP Constitution (2022 as amended) as the basis for the expulsion and sanctions.

Effective immediately, El-Rufai is barred from seeking membership, associating with, or participating in any SDP-related activities, whether within Nigeria or abroad, for the next 30 years.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the SDP’s commitment to party discipline, ideological clarity, and principled leadership:

“We welcome all Nigerians who share our values—patriotism, moral rectitude, integrity, and the commitment to ending corruption, poverty, and insecurity—without deception or shortcuts.”