SDP disowns El-Rufai, labels his actions ‘impersonation, sabotage’

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has debunked claims that former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, is a member of the party, describing his recent moves as “unauthorised and misleading.”

Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna on Friday, SDP North-West Zonal Secretary, Alhaji Idris Inuwa, said the party was shocked by El-Rufai’s conduct, stressing that he holds no official position and has not been registered as a member.

“Let it be made unequivocally clear, Mallam El-Rufai is not authorised, mandated, or recognised by the SDP in any capacity. His actions amount to grave impersonation and reputational sabotage,” Inuwa said.

El-Rufai had dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) on March 10, citing a deviation from founding ideals. In a letter titled Onwards to the Future, he expressed intentions to pursue his political goals on a “progressive platform.” Since then, he has been linked to opposition coalition meetings spearheaded by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

But the SDP insists he has no stake in the party. “He has not been registered, does not attend our strategy sessions, and his name does not appear in any part of our official records. Our party operates a transparent and verifiable membership structure,” Inuwa added.

The party urged Nigerians to ignore any representation by El-Rufai under the SDP banner, noting that only Acting National Chairman Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye, and 2023 Presidential Candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo are authorised to speak for the party.

Inuwa also took a swipe at El-Rufai, saying: “We pass a vote of no confidence on Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. He is a self-serving individual whose jobless meanderings under our name are pathetic attempts at relevance. He has no connection to our party.”

The statement comes as Kaduna North SDP leaders accused Dr. Umar Ardo of hijacking the party’s identity to promote another political group, the African Democratic Alternative (ADA).