SDP Expels El-Rufai, Imposes 30-Year Ban in Unprecedented Crackdown
In a dramatic political shakeup, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, from its ranks, imposing an extraordinary 30-year ban on his participation in all party affairs.
The decision, which party insiders describe as both punitive and symbolic, marks one of Nigeria’s toughest political decisions ever
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) made the announcement on Monday, accusing El-Rufai of impersonation, forgery, and attempting to hijack the party’s internal structure through underhanded tactics and political manipulation.
According to a statement signed by SDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba and made available to The News Chronicle, the former governor was never a registered member but falsely claimed affiliation, shared doctored documents, and took staged photos with suspended party leaders to create a “false narrative” of legitimacy.
The ban effectively sidelines El-Rufai from any role within the SDP until at least 2055, a move political analysts say could send shockwaves across the northern political establishment.
