The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has firmly distanced itself from former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, declaring that he is not a member, has no mandate, and is not authorised to speak for the party in any capacity.
This was made known by the SDP Zonal Secretary for the North-West, Inuwa Idris, during a press briefing on Friday in Kaduna.
“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 stated.
According to the SDP, El-Rufai’s recent appearances at policy forums, strategy meetings, and stakeholder dialogues claiming to represent the party are entirely unauthorised and without consent from the party’s national leadership.
The party emphasized that El-Rufai does not appear in any membership records, has not participated in any party activity, and has never been issued any appointment by the party.
Idris reaffirmed the leadership of Acting National Chairman Dr. Sadiq Umar, National Secretary Chief Olu Agunloye, and 2023 presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo, urging stakeholders and the public to disregard any statements issued by El-Rufai under the SDP banner.
He stressed that the party operates a transparent system of communication and delegation, and only officially endorsed representatives may speak or act on its behalf.
In a sharp rebuke, Idris added:
“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.”
The SDP warned that any further acts of impersonation or political misrepresentation will prompt the formation of a special NEC committee to investigate and publish findings on all related misconducts.
