SDP Disowns Nasir El-Rufai, Warns Public Against False Representation

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has firmly distanced itself from former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, declaring that he is neither a member nor an authorised representative of the party.

This was disclosed by the SDP’s North-West Zonal Secretary, Inuwa Idris, during a press briefing held on Friday in Kaduna. Idris condemned what he described as repeated attempts by El-Rufai to speak on behalf of the party at various public events and strategic meetings without any formal association or mandate.

“It has come to our attention that Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i has taken it upon himself to appear in various fora, including policy dialogues, stakeholder engagements, and even private strategy meetings purporting to speak on behalf of the Social Democratic Party,” Idris stated.

“Let this be made unequivocally clear to all: Malam El-Rufa’i is not authorised, mandated, or recognised by the SDP in any capacity to represent its interests, articulate its positions, or speak on its behalf.”

He added that the former governor’s actions were entirely without the knowledge, consent, or approval of the party’s national leadership, led by acting National Chairman Dr Sadiq Umar. According to Idris, El-Rufai’s name does not appear in the party’s membership register. He has never participated in its activities and has never been granted any official appointment or role.

Idris reaffirmed the party’s confidence in its current leadership structure, including National Secretary Chief Olu Agunloye and the 2023 presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo.

The Zonal Secretary also warned stakeholders, political groups, and the general public to disregard any statements or engagements made by El-Rufai under the SDP banner, stating that all official party communications must come from properly recognised and documented representatives.

“We pass a vote of no confidence on Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i,” Idris said emphatically.

In a related development, the SDP also called for the immediate suspension of Dr Umar Ardo from the party, accusing him of promoting a new political platform the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while still attempting to operate under the SDP’s name.

“Resorting to the use of the SDP platform is the height of desperation and a crass display of failure in political brinkmanship,” Idris said.

The party warned that any further impersonation or misrepresentation would prompt the formation of a special committee by the National Executive Committee (NEC) to investigate and publish the details of all such fraudulent activities

“Let this serve as a final warning. Desist from your fraudulent activities,” Idris concluded.