SDP Disowns El-Rufai, Warns Public Against Impersonation

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has formally disowned former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, stating unequivocally that he is neither a member of the party nor authorised to represent or speak on its behalf in any capacity.

This was made known by the SDP North-West Zonal Secretary, Inuwa Idris, during a press briefing held in Kaduna on Friday.

Idris expressed the party’s concern over El-Rufai’s recent public appearances where he allegedly spoke as though he represented the SDP in various forums, including policy dialogues and strategic meetings.

“It has come to our attention that Malam Nasir El-Rufai 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 (SDP),” he stated.

“Let this be made unequivocally clear to all: Malam El-Rufai is not authorised, mandated, or recognised by the SDP in any capacity to represent its interests, articulate its positions, or speak on its behalf,” Idris added.

He clarified that El-Rufai does not appear on any of the SDP’s membership records, has not participated in any of its activities, and has never been issued a mandate to act for the party at any level.

Reaffirming the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership, Idris mentioned Acting National Chairman Dr. Sadiq Umar, National Secretary Chief Olu Agunloye, and the 2023 presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo as those duly authorised to represent the SDP.

He further warned political stakeholders and the general public to disregard any statements issued by El-Rufai under the SDP banner.

“The party has a transparent and structured system for delegation and official communication,” he explained. “Any future engagements involving the party must go through officially endorsed representatives, whose identities can be confirmed on request.”

The SDP also passed a vote of no confidence on El-Rufai and called for the immediate suspension of Dr. Umar Ardo from the party. Ardo is accused of promoting the newly formed political platform, the African Democratic Alliance (ADA), while allegedly continuing to use the SDP’s name.

“Resorting to the use of the SDP platform is the height of desperation and a crass display of failure in political brinkmanship,” Idris said.

He issued a stern warning to both El-Rufai and Ardo, urging them to desist from what the party described as fraudulent activities.

“Should this impersonation persist, we will be compelled to call for a special committee by the powers of the National Executive Council (NEC) to investigate and publish their misdeeds across all available platforms,” Idris concluded.