In a dramatic escalation that has rocked Nigerian politics, the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) National Working Committee formally expelled ex‑Kaduna Governor Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai on July 28, 2025, and banned him from any party involvement for 30 years, accusing him of falsely claiming membership, forging documents, and plotting to destabilise the party through unconstitutional manoeuvres.
The Allegations: False Membership & Deception
The SDP claims that El‑Rufai never formally registered at his ward level in Kaduna State, yet he publicly declared his membership on social media. He allegedly staged photo‑ops with suspended SDP leaders and even forged documents to back his false narrative—actions aimed at projecting influence he never officially had.
Destabilisation & Political Opportunism
Investigations reportedly revealed his involvement in an unauthorised meeting in Abuja on July 25, mislabelled as a National Executive Committee (NEC) session. SDP’s Forum of State Chairmen described it as unconstitutional, lacking quorum, and orchestrated by El‑Rufai to sow discord within the party.
Ban & Total Disassociation
Under party constitution and law, the SDP resolved to excommunicate El‑Rufai, forbidding him from applying for membership, using party symbols, or participating in any SDP activity for the next three decades, effective immediately. Media, government institutions, and the electoral body INEC were urged to ignore his claims to represent the party.
Defection & Controversial Alliance
Only months earlier, in March 2025, El‑Rufai had announced his resignation from the ruling APC and defection to SDP. He said he needed a platform aligned with his progressive values. But SDP leaders quickly countered: he aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and attempted to drag SDP into an unapproved coalition—a betrayal of the party’s principles.
Political Fallout & Criticism
Critics described his move as a self-serving grab for attention ahead of the 2027 general election. Even within the opposition coalition, key figures like Salihu Lukman warned that his defection was premature and undermined broader negotiations. And the Integrity Group of SDP denounced any talk of promoting him within the party as politically reckless.
Nasir El‑Rufai served as Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, following roles in Obasanjo’s cabinet, including FCT Minister. He was a founding figure in the APC, known for bold reforms and fierce opposition to dissent during his tenure—a legacy now used to question his suitability in SDP.In this unfolding controversy, SDP has made it clear: Nasir El‑Rufai is persona non grata. What was pitched as a fresh political platform has turned into political self‑destruction. If this is a warning—30 years of silence is the price. The question now: can El‑Rufai rebuild his influence, and will Nigerians remember him beyond the headlines? Stay tuned.
