The Kaduna State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disowned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, stating that he is not a recognized member of the party in the state.
This comes amid reports that El-Rufai and some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had defected to the SDP, citing dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s leadership.
El-Rufai, in a statement on his X handle, expressed disappointment with the APC, stating that the party had deviated from the progressive ideals it was founded upon.
“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,” he said.
However, during a press conference in Kaduna on Friday, the SDP’s Assistant National Secretary for the Northwest zone, Idris Inuwa, refuted claims of El-Rufai’s membership, stating that he had not followed the necessary procedures to join the party.
“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 stated.
He advised El-Rufai and other prospective members to adhere to the party’s formal registration process if they wish to join officially.
Inuwa also rejected a purported dissolution of the Kaduna State SDP Working Committee, describing it as unconstitutional.
“The Kaduna State Executive Committee of the Social Democratic Party 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.
He emphasized that the state committee was elected through a duly conducted congress and holds a four-year mandate that remains valid.
Despite the controversy, Inuwa reiterated that the SDP remains open to welcoming new members, provided they comply with the party’s established procedures.
