The Social Democratic Party, (SDP), has disassociated itself from former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i, declaring that the ex-governor has never been a member of the party, nor authorised to represent it in any form.
Recall that el‑Rufa’i defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on March 10, 2025, when he tendered his resignation letter and announced his decision to join the SDP.
In the letter, titled: “Onwards to the Future”, el‑Rufa’i explained that although he is a founding member of the APC, recent developments within the party had diverged from its founding principles. He cited years of unaddressed concerns and concluded that he needed a new platform to pursue his progressive values.
After announcing his defection to the SDP, the former governor subsequently became involved in deliberations around the newly formed opposition coalition anchored by the African Democratic Congress, (ADC).
However, the SDP has said el-Rufa’i wasn’t originally a member of the party.
Speaking during a press briefing in Kaduna on Friday, the SDP North-West Zonal Secretary, Idris Inuwa said, “Let it be made unequivocally clear – el-Rufa’i is not authorised, mandated, or recognised by the SDP in any capacity. His actions amount to grave impersonation and reputational sabotage”.
Inuwa said the party was taken aback when el-Rufa’i appeared at recent political meetings and public dialogues, purporting to represent the SDP, despite having no formal connection with the party.
“He has not been registered, does not attend our strategy sessions, and his name does not appear in any part of our official records. Our party operates a transparent and verifiable membership structure”, he stated.
The SDP warned the public, media, and political stakeholders to disregard any statements or representations made by el-Rufa’i in the name of the party. The party reaffirmed that only its national leadership, including Acting National Chairman Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, National Secretary Chief (Dr.) Olu Agunloye and 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo are authorised to speak on behalf of the party.
Similarly, the Kaduna-North SDP leadership also passed a ‘vote of no confidence’ on Dr. Umar Arɗo, accusing him of using the SDP’s platform to promote the African Democratic Alternative (ADA), in what they described as a “fraudulent hijack” of the party’s identity.
“We pass a ‘vote of no confidence’ on Nasir el-Rufa’i. He is a self-serving individual whose jobless meanderings under our name are pathetic attempts at relevance. He has no connection to our party”, Inuwa declared.
