The Kaduna State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has firmly distanced itself from claims that former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has been expelled from the party and banned for 30 years.
This clarification comes in response to widely circulated media reports alleging El-Rufai’s purported suspension by the party. The SDP, in an official statement issued by Hon. Darius Kurah, the Kaduna State Publicity Secretary, described the report as entirely false and misleading.
Kurah emphasised that the statement attributed to one Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, who claimed to be the National Publicity Secretary of the SDP, is unauthorised and holds no legitimacy. According to him, the duly recognised National Publicity Secretary of the SDP remains Ambassador Judith Shua’ibu.
“Any statement issued by Aiyenigba in that capacity is null and void. He is not the party’s official spokesperson and lacks the mandate to speak on behalf of the party,” the statement reads.
The party further clarified that it operates strictly within the framework of its constitution, which outlines clear procedures for membership admission, disciplinary measures, and expulsion. At no time, the statement noted, has Mallam El-Rufai been subjected to any disciplinary hearing, nor has he received an official query or expulsion notice from any organ of the party—whether at the ward level or from the National Working Committee (NWC).
Additionally, the party dismissed allegations that El-Rufai is engaged in anti-party activities, stating that such claims are baseless and unsubstantiated. It affirmed that El-Rufai has neither claimed SDP membership in any official capacity nor violated any of the party’s codes of conduct.
“This publication is nothing more than a politically motivated ploy intended to sow confusion and distract the public. It reflects a broader agenda of mischief orchestrated by individuals with no recognised standing within the SDP,” Kurah added.
The statement concluded by confirming that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has duly registered with the party at the ward level and has fulfilled all constitutional requirements. Any contrary narrative, it stressed, is a fabrication aimed at dragging his name into political controversy.
