The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has found itself embroiled in a tumultuous internal conflict following the purported expulsion of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced the expulsion, citing allegations of false membership claims, internal sabotage, and illicit political maneuvering. The NWC claims El-Rufai never formally registered with the party at the ward level, a prerequisite for membership according to the party’s constitution, and instead fabricated his affiliation through social media posts and photo opportunities with suspended party leaders. Furthermore, the NWC accused El-Rufai of simultaneously aligning himself with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while attempting to involve the SDP in an unauthorized political coalition, actions they deemed contrary to the party’s principles. As a consequence, the NWC declared El-Rufai banned from any association with the SDP for a period of 30 years.
This dramatic move by the NWC has, however, been met with vehement denial and counter-accusations from the Kaduna State chapter of the SDP. The state chapter’s Publicity Secretary, Darius Kurah, dismissed the expulsion as a baseless smear campaign orchestrated by recently suspended national officers seeking to discredit El-Rufai and sow discord within the party. Kurah insists that El-Rufai remains a bona fide and respected member of the SDP, a leader within the Kaduna State chapter and a key stakeholder in the North-West region. He asserts that El-Rufai has committed no offense against the party and that the expulsion announcement completely bypassed established disciplinary procedures outlined in the party’s constitution.
The conflicting narratives presented by the national and state levels of the SDP highlight a deeper power struggle within the party. The Kaduna State chapter argues that the expulsion announcement stems from the fallout of a recent NEC meeting where the national chairman and secretary were suspended for alleged misappropriation of funds and other internal breaches. They suggest these suspended officials are now retaliating by spreading false information and attempting to link their removal to El-Rufai’s influence. This internal strife creates confusion and undermines the party’s image, raising questions about its internal cohesion and decision-making processes.
El-Rufai’s association with the SDP began after his departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to what he termed irreconcilable differences. His arrival was initially welcomed by the then-national chairman, Shehu Gabam, who has since been suspended. El-Rufai’s presence fueled speculation that the SDP would serve as a platform for a coalition movement, potentially involving prominent figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. This coalition ultimately chose the ADC, further complicating the political landscape and El-Rufai’s position within the SDP.
The NWC’s accusations against El-Rufai include not only the fabrication of his membership but also engagement in activities detrimental to the party’s unity and ideological integrity. They contend that El-Rufai exploited photo opportunities with suspended party leaders to create a false impression of his membership status and that he has actively promoted the interests of other political parties, specifically the ADC, while claiming affiliation with the SDP. They view his actions as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and manipulate the party for personal gain.
The Kaduna State chapter, however, vehemently refutes these claims, emphasizing the lack of due process in the alleged expulsion. Kurah maintains that no formal complaint was filed against El-Rufai, no investigation committee was formed, and no opportunity for a fair hearing was provided. He criticizes the NWC’s actions as a media stunt aimed at tarnishing El-Rufai’s reputation and diverting attention from the internal power struggle within the party. This clash of perspectives leaves the true nature of El-Rufai’s relationship with the SDP and the motivations behind his alleged expulsion shrouded in uncertainty. The ensuing conflict threatens to further destabilize the party and raises concerns about its ability to function effectively in the political arena.
