SDP rejects El-Rufai, said he has no authority to represent the party

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) openly distanced itself from the former Governor of Kaduna State, Night Nasiru El-Rufai, stating that he was not a party member and did not have the authority to speak in his name.

This position was clarified by the Secretary of Zonal SDP for the northwestern zone, Inuwa Idris, during a press conference held in Kaduna on Friday. Idris expressed the party’s concern over El-Rufai’s recent performances in the policy dialogue, the involvement of stakeholders, and a personal strategy session, where he was reportedly present as a representative of SDP.

“It has been our concern that Nasir El-Rufa’i’s night has taken himself to appear in various forums … claiming to speak on behalf of the social democratic party,” Idris said. “Let this be made clear for all: El-Rufa’i’s night is not permitted, mandated, or recognized by SDP in any capacity to represent its interests, articulate its position, or speak in his name.”

According to Idris, El-Rufai’s actions were carried out without the knowledge or approval of party national leadership, which included the Acting National Chair, Dr. Sadiq Umar. The party emphasized that El-Rufai was not registered in its membership register, never participated in the party program, and had not yet received a gathering promise to act on behalf of the party at any level.

Also read: ADC Clarifies Obi, El-Rufai who are not registered as members

SDP also reiterated the current leadership structure, which included Dr. Umar, National Secretary Olu Agunloye, and 2023 Presidential candidates Prince Adewole Adebayo. Idris then asked for public and political stakeholders to ignore any statement or representation made by El-Rufai under SDP banners.

“We give a voting that does not believe on the night of Nasiru El-Rufa’i,” Idris stated, warning that further imitation would encourage the National Executive Council (NEC) to hold a special committee to investigate and openly reveal all related mistakes.

In related developments, the party also called for direct suspension Dr. Umar Ardo, accused him of promoting another political platform, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while still trying to exploit the name and structure of SDP.

“Using the use of the SDP platform is the peak of despair and appearance of failure in political independence,” Idris said, describing the actions of El-Rufai and Ardo as fraud.

SDP emphasized that all official communication or collaboration with the party must go through a recognized and approved channel. The representative’s identity, Idris added, would be available based on requests to avoid further confusion or imitation.