The Kaduna State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has distanced itself from former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, stating that he is not a recognized member of the party. The clarification follows reports that El-Rufai, along with some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had left the ruling party for the SDP.
El-Rufai had previously explained his decision to exit the APC, citing a disconnect between his personal values and the party’s current direction. In a statement released on his X (formerly Twitter) account, he expressed disappointment with the APC’s leadership, stating that the party had deviated from its founding ideals.
“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 wrote.
However, at a press conference held in Kaduna on Friday, the party’s Assistant National Secretary for the Northwest zone, Idris Inuwa, noted that El-Rufai’s membership in the SDP remains unconfirmed. According to Inuwa, the party has no official record of his registration.
“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 in Kaduna State, nor the leadership of Unguwar Sarki ward, has any record of these memberships,” Inuwa stated.
He further advised El-Rufai and others interested in joining the party to follow the proper registration process. “We advise him and any other interested individuals to follow the proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party,” he added.
Additionally, Inuwa rejected claims that the Kaduna State Working Committee of the SDP had been dissolved. He described such claims as unconstitutional, stating that any dissolution must follow due process.
“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 said.
He noted that the current state executive was formed through a valid State Congress and holds a four-year mandate that remains in effect. According to him, the SDP constitution clearly outlines the procedure for dissolving a state executive committee, which includes conducting an investigation, setting up a review committee, and ensuring a fair hearing before any decision is made.
“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.
“The SDP constitution states very clearly the process and procedure to follow in dissolving a State Exco; which includes but is not limited to initiating an investigation, setting up a committee, and providing a fair hearing transparently before a decision is taken. None of this was done—only the resort to the illegal unilateral letter of dissolution,” Inuwa noted.
He concluded by stating that the SDP remains open to new members, as long as they follow the necessary guidelines.
“While we recognize the growing interest of individuals and groups in joining the SDP, we note 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 said.
