El-Rufai's Political Journey: SDP Distances Itself Amid Controversy

SDP Rejects El-Rufai's Alleged Membership Amid Party Shift

Here’s the scoop: The Kaduna State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has stepped forward to clarify that former Governor Nasir El-Rufai is not, in fact, a registered member of their party in the state. This announcement comes as a surprise, especially amidst reports that El-Rufai, along with a number of members from the All Progressives Congress (APC), had reportedly left the ruling party to join the SDP.

According to Naija News, El-Rufai took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to share a statement explaining his decision to part ways with the APC. He expressed that the move was driven by a growing disconnect between his personal values and the direction the party is heading. El-Rufai voiced his disappointment with the APC's leadership, pointing out that the party has drifted far from its original progressive ideals.

In his statement, El-Rufai reminisced about the early days of the APC. "As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC. Since 2013, I’ve always hoped that my personal values and those of the APC would continue to align until I decided to step away from politics," he shared.

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SDP Responds: No Record of El-Rufai’s Membership

However, during a press conference in Kaduna on Friday, the SDP’s Assistant National Secretary for the Northwest zone, Idris Inuwa, shot down rumors of El-Rufai’s membership. He stated that neither the Chairman of the Kaduna North Local Government Chapter nor the leadership of Unguwar Sarki ward has any documentation to support these claims. "It has come to our notice that certain individuals, including Nasir El-Rufai, are being rumored to have joined the SDP. However, proper procedures were not followed," Inuwa emphasized.

Inuwa further advised El-Rufai and others interested in joining the SDP to follow the official registration process. "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.

Unconstitutional Move: SDP Challenges Dissolution of State Committee

Inuwa also took the opportunity to reject a letter from the party’s national secretariat dated February 25, 2025, which claimed the dissolution of the Kaduna State Working Committee. He labeled the move unconstitutional and a clear violation of the party’s internal democratic processes.

He firmly stated, "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." Inuwa went on to reaffirm the legitimacy of the current state executive committee, which emerged from a valid State Congress and holds a four-year mandate.

"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," he explained.

Proper Procedures Must Be Followed

Inuwa also criticized the alleged dissolution process, pointing out that it failed to adhere to the procedures outlined in the party’s constitution. "The SDP constitution clearly states the process and procedure to follow in dissolving a State Exco, which includes 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.

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Despite the controversy, Inuwa reiterated that the party remains open to new members, provided they respect the required 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 (Exco) remains open and welcoming to all prospective members who adhere to these established procedures," he concluded.