The Kaduna State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has publicly disowned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, asserting that he is not a recognized member of the party. This announcement comes amid widespread reports of his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP. Party officials have clarified that El-Rufai has not completed the official membership registration process required to be recognized as an SDP member.
El-Rufai recently made headlines by declaring his departure from the APC, citing deep concerns over what he described as a divergence between his personal values and the party’s current ideological direction. His decision has sparked discussions about his potential political future, with speculation growing about his alignment with the SDP.
In a detailed statement released via his official X handle, El-Rufai expressed his dissatisfaction with the APC’s leadership. He reflected on his long-standing association with the party, stating:
“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, in response to these reports, the SDP’s Assistant National Secretary (Northwest), Idris Inuwa, addressed the matter in a press conference held in Kaduna on Friday. He firmly dismissed the claims of El-Rufai’s membership, explaining that the former governor had not officially registered with the party through the proper channels.
“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.”
Inuwa further emphasized that individuals seeking membership in the SDP must adhere to the party’s established registration process. He advised El-Rufai and other defectors to ensure that they formally complete the necessary procedures if they wish to be recognized as members.
“We advise him and any other interested individuals to follow the proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party. The SDP is a structured political organization, and membership is granted based on formal registration and approval, not assumptions or media speculations.”
Additionally, Inuwa took the opportunity to address recent claims regarding the purported dissolution of the SDP’s Kaduna State Working Committee. He categorically rejected these claims, asserting that the alleged dissolution was unconstitutional and carried out without adherence to the necessary legal framework.
“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 elaborated on the legitimacy of the existing State Executive Committee, explaining that it was formed through a validly conducted state congress and that its four-year mandate remains in effect.
“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.”
Inuwa reiterated that any attempt to dissolve the committee must follow the party’s constitutional guidelines, which were not observed in this instance.
“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 reassured party members and potential new entrants that the SDP remains open to welcoming new members. However, he stressed that adherence to party regulations is essential.
“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.”