The Kaduna State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disowned former governor Nasir El-Rufai, stating that he is not a recognized member of the party in Kaduna State. This comes after El-Rufai and some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) dumped the ruling party for the SDP.
El-Rufai cited a growing misalignment between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for his decision. He expressed his disappointment with the APC’s leadership, accusing the party of straying from the progressive ideals of its founding members.
However, the SDP’s Assistant National Secretary, Northwest zone, Idris Inuwa, emphasized that El-Rufai’s entry into the party remained a rumor as he has yet to follow due process. “It has come to our notice that certain individuals, including Nasir El-Rufai, are being rumored to have joined the SDP. However, neither the Chairman of the Kaduna North Local Government Chapter in Kaduna State, nor the leadership of Unguwar Sarki ward, has any record of these memberships,” Inuwa said.
Inuwa advised El-Rufai and his cohorts to follow proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party. “We advise him and any other interested individuals to follow the proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party,” he said.
The SDP also rejected the purported dissolution of the Kaduna State Working Committee, stating that it is unconstitutional and an affront to the principles of due process and internal democracy. Inuwa emphasized that the Kaduna State Executive Committee is a product of a duly conducted State Congress and holds a four-year mandate that remains valid and binding.
Inuwa stated that the Kaduna State SDP remains open and welcoming to all prospective members who adhere to the established procedures. “While we recognize the growing interest of individuals and groups in joining the SDP, we emphasise that there are well-defined guidelines and constitutional provisions governing membership admission. The State Executive Council (Exco) remains open and welcoming to all prospective members who adhere to these established procedures,” he stated.
