Kaduna SDP disowns El-Rufai

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

This declaration comes two weeks after El-Rufai and some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) announced their defection to the SDP, citing dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s leadership.

El-Rufai’s Exit from APC

El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, announced his departure from the party in a press statement shared on his X handle, expressing frustration over what he described as a deviation from the progressive ideals of the party’s founding members.

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“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 have hoped that my personal values and those of the APC will continue to align until I choose to retire from politics,” he stated.

However, the Kaduna SDP leadership has refuted claims that El-Rufai is a registered member of the party, stating that he has yet to follow the proper procedures.

SDP Leadership: “El-Rufai’s Membership Remains a Rumor”

Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna on Friday, the Assistant National Secretary (Northwest Zone) of the SDP, Idris Inuwa, dismissed reports of El-Rufai’s entry into the party, stressing that no formal records exist to validate his membership.

“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 said.

He further advised El-Rufai and others wishing to join the party to follow due process to be recognized as official members.

“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.

SDP Rejects Purported Dissolution of Kaduna State Working Committee

In addition to dismissing El-Rufai’s alleged membership, the Kaduna SDP leadership also rejected the purported dissolution of the State Working Committee, describing it as unconstitutional.

Referencing a letter from the SDP National Secretariat dated February 25, 2025, Inuwa 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.”

He emphasized that the Kaduna State Executive Committee was established through a duly conducted State Congress and holds a four-year mandate, which remains binding.

Furthermore, Inuwa clarified that the SDP Constitution provides clear guidelines on dissolving a State Executive Committee, including initiating an investigation, setting up a committee, and ensuring a fair hearing before any such action can take place.

What Next for El-Rufai?

With El-Rufai’s status in the SDP now under scrutiny and the party leadership resisting any internal changes, it remains to be seen whether the former governor will formally complete the process of joining the SDP or explore other political options.