The Kaduna State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dismissed claims that former Governor Nasir El-Rufai has joined its ranks, stating that he is not a registered member of the party in the state.
This clarification follows reports that El-Rufai, alongside several members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had defected to the SDP.
El-Rufai, in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, cited a growing disconnect between his personal values and the APC’s current direction as his reason for leaving the ruling party.
“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,” El-Rufai stated.
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, emphasizing that proper registration procedures were not followed.
“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 the Unguwar Sarki ward has any record of these memberships,” Inuwa said.
He urged El-Rufai and other prospective members to officially register if they wish to join the party.
SDP Rejects Dissolution of Kaduna State Working Committee
Inuwa also rejected a letter from the party’s national secretariat dated February 25, 2025, which purportedly dissolved the Kaduna State Working Committee. He described the move as unconstitutional and a violation of the party’s democratic processes.
“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,” Inuwa stated.
He affirmed that the current state executive committee remains legitimate, having emerged from a valid State Congress and holding a four-year mandate.
“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,” he said.
Inuwa further criticized the dissolution process, arguing that it failed to follow the necessary procedures outlined in the party’s constitution.
“The SDP constitution states very clearly the process and procedure to follow in dissolving a State Exco, which includes initiating an investigation, setting up a committee, and providing fair hearing transparently before a decision is taken. None of this was done—only the resort to the illegal unilateral letter of dissolution,” he explained.
Party Open to New Members, Urges Adherence to Procedures
While reaffirming the party’s openness to new members, Inuwa stressed that all prospective members must follow established procedures.
“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,” he concluded.
The developments signal ongoing tensions within the SDP as it navigates internal leadership disputes while attracting new political figures ahead of the next election cycle.
