SDP Kaduna Disowns 30-Year Ban Rumor on El-Rufai, Says Claim Is False and Misleading

The Kaduna State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has firmly debunked reports that former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has been banned from the party for 30 years.

In a statement released by Hon. Darius Kurah, the party’s Publicity Secretary in Kaduna, the SDP described the viral report as completely false, labeling it “unauthorized” and “baseless.”

The controversial report had earlier claimed that the SDP had expelled El-Rufai from its ranks for alleged anti-party activities. The statement was attributed to Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, who claimed to be the party’s National Publicity Secretary.

However, Kurah clarified that Aiyenigba holds no such official position, and any statements issued under his name hold no weight. He stressed that Ambassador Judith Shua’ibu is the only duly recognized National Publicity Secretary of the SDP.

“Any statement issued under Aiyenigba’s name in that capacity is null, unauthorized, and of no consequence,” the statement read.

No Due Process, No Ban

According to the SDP, no formal disciplinary action was ever initiated against El-Rufai. The party stated that no official query, hearing, or expulsion notice has ever been served on him at any level — whether from his ward or from the National Working Committee (NWC).

The statement also dismissed allegations that El-Rufai is promoting other political parties while posing as an SDP member, calling the claim unfounded and politically motivated.

“Mallam El-Rufai has not at any point paraded himself as an SDP member in an official capacity. His commitment to national issues and good governance does not translate to party disloyalty,” the party stated.

Propaganda or Power Play?

The SDP pointed fingers at unnamed political actors who, they allege, are behind the “misleading publication” aimed at causing internal strife and confusing the public.

“This appears to be a politically motivated attempt to cause confusion within the party and the general public. It’s unfortunate that individuals with no constitutional authority within the party are being used to orchestrate cheap propaganda,” the statement added.

Where Does El-Rufai Stand?

While Mallam El-Rufai has reportedly completed constitutional requirements for joining the SDP, including ward registration, there’s no official record of him holding or seeking any party position at the national level.

For now, the SDP maintains that he remains a legitimate member and has not been subjected to any internal disciplinary process.