Dare Babalola
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
The party, in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, declared him ineligible to participate in any of the party’s activities for the next 30 years.
The party accused El-Rufai of alleged impersonation, forgery, and attempts to destabilise the party at multiple levels, saying its decision followed thorough investigations into the former governor’s alleged claims of being an SDP member.
Aiyenigba said, “El-Rufai never registered with the SDP at his ward level as required by the party’s constitution, yet falsely declared on social media that he had joined the party.
“He further forged documents claiming membership and took photo opportunities with suspended party leaders to reinforce this falsehood.”
SDP also accused him of aligning with another political party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while trying to draw the SDP into an unapproved political coalition.
SDP said, “Having confirmed that he publicly declared for the ADC and continued to act in a manner contrary to the principles and practices of the SDP, the party has no option but to disassociate and excommunicate him.
“Consequently, El-Rufai has been banished and banned from applying to the membership, identifying with the name, insignia, logo, or participating in any affairs of the SDP for a period of 30 years, effective immediately.”
The SDP called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant institutions to take note of El-Rufai’s non-member status, warning that he is not authorized to act or speak on behalf of the party.
