The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from its ranks and imposed a 30-year ban prohibiting him from participating in any of the party’s activities.
This decision, which has sparked widespread reactions, was made public on Monday, July 28, 2025, following an internal investigation by the party's leadership into allegations of misrepresentation and document forgery.
According to reports from Daily Independent, El-Rufai had allegedly claimed to be a member of the SDP without undergoing proper registration at the ward level. The party’s findings revealed that he inserted his name as “number 001” in the party’s register at Unguwar Sarki Ward, Kaduna North, despite not being officially admitted into the party.
The SDP leadership further alleged that El-Rufai’s actions created confusion among members, especially following his public statements and photographs with suspended National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, and other party officials. These moves were said to have been deliberately orchestrated to give the false impression that he was a bona fide member of the party.
In addition, the former governor was accused of attempting to push the party into an unauthorized political alliance, even while he had publicly expressed support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“The actions of Nasir El-Rufai show a pattern of deception and manipulation that threatens the integrity of our party,” the SDP said. “We, therefore, find it necessary to distance the party from his activities by expelling him and barring him from any political engagement with the SDP for the next 30 years.”
The party emphasized that it remains committed to transparency and discipline, and would not tolerate any attempt by individuals to destabilize its structures or hijack its platform for personal ambition.
As of press time, El-Rufai has not issued an official response to the expulsion and ban.
