BREAKING: “El-Rufai Not Our Member”: Drama As SDP Disowns Ex-Kaduna Gov, Gives 1 Condition for Membership
The Kaduna state chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disowned former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, stating that he is not a recognised member of the party.
El-Rufai, one of the founding members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently dumped the ruling party for the SDP.
The former governor cited a growing misalignment between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for the decision.
El-Rufai said:
“As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC. Since 2013, I have hoped that my personal values and those of the APC will continue to align until I choose to retire from politics.”
SDP says El-Rufai must follow due process to join party
However, at a press conference in Kaduna on Friday, March 28, the SDP’s assistant national secretary, Northwest Zone, Idris Inuwa, emphasised that El-Rufai’s entry into the party remained a rumour because he was yet to follow due process.
“It has come to our notice that certain individuals, including Mal. Nasir El-Rufai, are being rumored to have joined the SDP. However, neither the Chairman of the Kaduna North Local Government Chapter in Kaduna State, nor the leadership of Unguwar Sarki ward, has any record of these memberships,” Inuwa said.
Inuwa advised El-Rufai and his cohorts to follow proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party.
“We advise him and any other interested individuals to follow the proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party,” he said.
Speaking further, Inuwa emphasised that the Kaduna State SDP remains open and welcoming to all prospective members who adhere to the established procedures.
“While we recognize the growing interest of individuals and groups in joining the SDP, we emphasize that there are well-defined guidelines and constitutional provisions governing membership admission. The State Executive Council (Exco) remains open and welcoming to all prospective members who adhere to these established procedures,” he added.
El-Rufai: “Buhari fully aware of my defection to SDP”
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that El-Rufai disclosed that his exit from the ruling APC was done with the full knowledge and consent of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
El-Rufai noted that he consulted Buhari before making the move, adding that he frequently sought the former president’s advice on political matters.
El-Rufai recalled instances from his tenure as governor when he sought Buhari’s approval on key appointments, including submitting his commissioner nominees for review.
