The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and imposed a 30-year ban on his participation in all party activities, citing forgery, impersonation, and unconstitutional conduct.

In a statement released Monday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, described El-Rufai’s claim of SDP membership as “fraudulent and misleading,” insisting he was never registered in accordance with the party’s constitution.

“El-Rufai never registered at his ward as required by the party’s constitution, yet he publicly declared on social media that he had joined the party,” Aiyenigba said.
“He also took photographs with suspended party leaders to create the impression that he was a member.”

According to the statement, an internal investigation by the SDP uncovered evidence that El-Rufai forged party documents, impersonated a member, and engaged in activities aimed at destabilising the party through unauthorized political alliances and misrepresentation.

The party said El-Rufai falsely declared himself as ‘number 001’ in the Unguwar Sarki Ward of Kaduna North LGA, despite never being formally admitted into the party.

“He also openly identified with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), undermining the credibility of his claim to SDP membership,” the party added.

In response, the SDP’s National Working Committee imposed the harshest disciplinary sanction in the party’s history, barring El-Rufai from using the SDP name, logo, or participating in any of its activities for the next 30 years.

The party said it had formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant agencies of the expulsion and would take legal steps if El-Rufai violates the directive.

El-Rufai had recently resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing ideological misalignment with the ruling party. His next political steps remain unclear amid growing tensions between rival opposition factions.