Nigeria’s Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and barred him from party activities for three decades, following bombshell revelations of fraudulent membership claims. The party’s National Working Committee detailed how El-Rufai:
- Faked Membership: Never properly registered at his Kaduna ward despite social media announcements
- Forged Documents: Created counterfeit papers listing himself as “Member 001” in non-existent records
- Played Both Sides: Simultaneously negotiated with opposition ADC while posing as SDP member
- Sought Photo-Ops: Used staged meetings with suspended SDP leaders to create false legitimacy
The drastic action comes just weeks after El-Rufai’s high-profile defection from the APC, where he cited “value misalignment” – now appearing as a cover for alleged political infiltration.
Why This Matters
• Nuclear Sanction: Unprecedented 30-year ban sets new political precedent
• 2027 Ramifications: Thwarts El-Rufai’s opposition coalition-building plans
• Legal Fallout: INEC may investigate membership fraud allegations
Key Evidence Cited
✔ Ward records confirm zero registration by El-Rufai
✔ Self-generated “Member 001” documents contradict official rolls
✔ ADC coalition talks exposed while claiming SDP loyalty
✔ Planned Abuja welcome jamboree before proper registration
What Next?
→ El-Rufai expected to challenge decision legally
→ INEC may audit party membership claims
→ ADC likely to distance itself from controversy
