SDP expels El-Rufai, bans him for 30 years over false membership claims
In a dramatic turn of events, the National Working Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, declaring him ineligible to associate with the party for the next 30 years. The party accused El-Rufai of manipulating internal processes and falsely claiming membership.
According to a statement from the SDP, signed by National Publicity Secretary Araba Aiyenigba, the expulsion is the culmination of a thorough investigation into El-Rufai’s controversial claims.
“El-Rufai never registered with the SDP at his ward level as required by the party’s constitution, yet falsely declared on social media that he had joined the party,” the statement detailed.
The party further criticized El-Rufai for his “alleged backdoor political activities” that have sown discord within the organization. “Rather than register lawfully with the Ward Executives, this individual forged documents and claimed to have ‘number 001 in the SDP membership register,’” the SDP stated.
El-Rufai was also accused of attempting to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), leading the SDP to assert that he acted contrary to its fundamental principles.
“Having confirmed that he publicly declared for the ADC, the party has no option but to disassociate and excommunicate him,” the statement emphasized.
With the expulsion, El-Rufai is prohibited from engaging in any party activities or using the SDP’s name for the next three decades. The SDP has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize his non-member status, emphasizing that he is not authorized to act on behalf of the party.
This decisive action underscores the SDP’s commitment to maintaining its internal integrity and democratic principles while sending a clear message about the importance of truthful representation within its ranks.
Source: PUNCH
