JUST IN: Crisis in SDP as Party Rejects El-Rufai’s Membership

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has distanced itself from former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, stating that he is not a recognized member of the party. 

El-Rufai and some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had left the ruling party for the SDP, citing disagreements with the APC’s current direction.

However, the SDP leadership in Kaduna has dismissed these claims, insisting that El-Rufai has not formally joined the party. 

At a press conference in Kaduna on Friday, the party’s Assistant National Secretary for the Northwest zone, Idris Inuwa, clarified that there is no official record of El-Rufai’s membership at the state or ward level. 

“It has come to our notice that certain individuals, including Nasir El-Rufai, are being rumored to have joined the SDP. However, neither the Chairman of the Kaduna North Local Government Chapter nor the leadership of Unguwar Sarki ward has any record of these memberships,” Inuwa stated. 

He advised El-Rufai and any others interested in joining the party to follow the proper procedures. 

“We advise him and any other interested individuals to follow the proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party,” he added. 

Inuwa also condemned the reported dissolution of the Kaduna State SDP Working Committee, describing it as unconstitutional and a violation of due process. 

“The Kaduna State Executive Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) categorically rejects the purported dissolution of the State Working Committee as contained in a letter from the National Secretariat dated February 25, 2025,” he said. 

He emphasized that the current executive committee was duly elected through a state congress and holds a four-year mandate that remains valid. 

“The Kaduna State Executive Committee is the legitimate outcome of a duly conducted State Congress, reflecting the will of the party members and adhering strictly to the party’s constitutional provisions. This body holds a four-year mandate that remains valid, binding, and legally recognized throughout its tenure,” Inuwa stated. 

He further criticized the manner in which the dissolution was announced, arguing that the proper constitutional process was ignored. 

“The SDP constitution states very clearly the process and procedure to follow in dissolving a State Exco, which includes but is not limited to initiating an investigation, setting up a committee, and providing a fair hearing transparently before a decision is taken. None of this was done—only the resort to the illegal unilateral letter of dissolution,” he said. 

Inuwa concluded by affirming that the Kaduna State SDP remains open to new members, provided they follow the appropriate procedures. 

“While we recognize the growing interest of individuals and groups in joining the SDP, we emphasize that there are well-defined guidelines and constitutional provisions governing membership admission. The State Executive Council remains open and welcoming to all prospective members who adhere to these established procedures,” he added.