The Kaduna State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has denied that former governor Nasir El-Rufai is a member of the party. The party said El-Rufai has not officially joined the SDP, despite reports claiming he had left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the opposition party.
El-Rufai recently announced his decision to leave the APC, citing differences between his personal values and the direction the ruling party is taking. In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, he said he was disappointed with the APC’s leadership.
“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,” El-Rufai said.
However, the SDP leadership in Kaduna State has dismissed reports that he has joined their party, insisting that he has not followed the proper process.
El-Rufai’s Membership Remains a Rumor – SDP
At a press conference in Kaduna on Friday, the party’s Assistant National Secretary for the Northwest zone, Idris Inuwa, stated that neither the state nor the local party leadership has any record of El-Rufai’s 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 advised El-Rufai and others who wish to join the SDP to follow the proper procedures.
“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.
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Kaduna SDP Rejects State Exco Dissolution
In addition to denying El-Rufai’s membership, the Kaduna SDP also rejected the reported dissolution of the party’s State Working Committee. Inuwa described the dissolution as illegal and a violation of the party’s constitution.
“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,” he said.
Inuwa explained that the state executive committee was elected through a legitimate congress and has a four-year mandate that remains valid.
“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 stated.
According to him, the SDP constitution outlines clear steps for dissolving a state executive committee, including conducting an investigation, setting up a committee, and ensuring fair hearing. He accused those behind the dissolution of acting unlawfully.
“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 an illegal, unilateral letter of dissolution,” Inuwa emphasized.
SDP Open to New Members, but With Due Process
Despite the controversy, Inuwa reiterated that the party remains open to new members, provided they follow the laid-down 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 remains open and welcoming to all prospective members who adhere to these established procedures,” he said.
El-Rufai has yet to respond to the SDP’s statement. However, political observers are watching closely to see whether he will take formal steps to join the party or explore other political options.