The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has formally distanced itself from former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, stating categorically that he is not a member of the party and has no authority to speak or act on its behalf.
Addressing a press conference on Friday in Kaduna, the Zonal Secretary of the North-West Zone, Inuwa Idris, made the party’s position clear.
“It has come to our attention that Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i has taken it upon himself to appear in various fora, including policy dialogues, stakeholder engagements, and even private strategy meetings purporting to speak on behalf of the Social Democratic Party,” Idris said.
He emphasized that El-Rufai has never been granted permission to represent the party in any form.
“Let this be made unequivocally clear to all: Malam El-Rufa’i is not authorised, mandated, or recognised by the SDP in any capacity to represent its interests, articulate its positions, or speak on its behalf.”
“His actions were carried out entirely without the knowledge, consent, or approval of the party’s national leadership including our dynamic acting National Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Umar, among others.”
Idris further clarified that El-Rufai’s name is not listed in the party’s membership records. He also noted that the former governor has never participated in any SDP programme nor received any appointment or mandate at any level.
The Zonal Secretary reaffirmed the party’s leadership structure, citing Dr. Sadiq Umar, Chief Olu Agunloye (National Secretary), and Prince Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, as the only recognized national figures.
He warned the public and political stakeholders to ignore any statements issued by El-Rufai under the SDP name.
Idris also took aim at Dr. Umar Ardo, accusing him of working to promote another party while using the SDP platform.
“We pass a vote of no confidence on Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i. We call for the immediate suspension of Dr. Umar Ardo from SDP, as he is now a known promoter of a new political party, the ADC. Resorting to the use of the SDP platform is the height of desperation and a crass display of failure in political brinkmanship.”
He warned that impersonation of the party would not be tolerated and suggested disciplinary measures were forthcoming.
“Let this serve as a final warning for them. Desist from your fraudulent activities.”
“Any further impersonation or we will be compelled to call for a special committee by the powers of NEC to look into these matters with a view of publishing all the misdeeds across all available platforms.”
Idris reaffirmed the party’s commitment to transparency and announced that all future policy discussions or collaborations must go through officially recognized party representatives, whose identities are available on request.
