The news was confirmed in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba.
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) stated that the decision adheres to the party’s constitution, manifesto, and internal regulations, as well as the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act, which grant political parties the authority to determine their membership.
The SDP has also warned its members and the public against engaging with El-Rufai in any political capacity, clarifying that he is not a member and does not represent the party’s interests. The party called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies to acknowledge his non-member status, effective until July 28, 2055.
Despite confirmation from the Kaduna State chapter that El-Rufai has not officially joined the SDP, the NWC accused him of falsely presenting himself as a member while promoting rival political parties in the state. The statement noted that he failed to register at his ward as required by law, despite misleadingly claiming on social media that he had joined the party.
The SDP further alleged that El-Rufai had misrepresented his membership by seeking photo opportunities with suspended National Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam and other party leaders. It also accused him of intolerance and persecution of the party during his tenure as governor under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In response to the developments, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, referred to El-Rufai as an “internally displaced politician.” Onanuga commented, “Internally Displaced Again!” in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday.
