SDP disowns El-Rufai after dumping APC for party
The Kaduna State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disowned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, stating that he is not a recognized member of the party despite reports of his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
El-Rufai recently announced his exit from the APC, citing a misalignment between his personal values and the party’s current direction.
El-Rufai.
In a statement released on his X handle, he expressed disappointment with the APC’s leadership, saying:
“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.”
However, at a press conference in Kaduna on Friday, the party’s Assistant National Secretary (Northwest), Idris Inuwa, dismissed claims of El-Rufai’s membership, emphasizing that he has not completed the required registration process.
“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 in Kaduna State nor the leadership of Unguwar Sarki ward has any record of these memberships.”
He advised El-Rufai and other defectors to follow due process if they wish to officially become members of the party.
“We advise him and any other interested individuals to follow the proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party.”
Inuwa also addressed reports of the dissolution of the SDP’s Kaduna State Working Committee, rejecting it as unconstitutional.
“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 25 February, 2025.”
He stressed that the committee was formed through 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.”
According to Inuwa, the SDP’s constitution outlines clear procedures for dissolving a state executive committee, which were not followed in this case.
“The SDP constitution states very clearly the process and procedure to follow in dissolving a State Exco; which includes but is not limited to 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.”
Concluding his remarks, Inuwa reiterated that the party remains open to new members but insisted that proper protocols must be observed.
“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.”
