KEY POINTS

• SDP denies El-Rufai’s membership, stating that he has not completed the official registration process at the ward or state level.
• Party officials urge compliance with due process, warning against shortcuts in admitting new members.
• Internal tensions surface as the North-West zone rejects the dissolution of the Kaduna State working committee by the national leadership.

The Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Nigeria’s North-West zone has clarified that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is not yet a registered member of the party, despite widespread reports of his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Idris Inuwa, the North-West Assistant Secretary of the SDP, issued a statement in Kaduna on Friday, March 28, 2025, refuting claims that El-Rufai had been formally admitted into the party. “It has come to our notice that certain individuals, including Nasir El-Rufai, are being rumoured to have joined the SDP. However, neither the chairman of Kaduna North Local Government in Kaduna State nor the leadership of Unguwar Sarki ward has any record of these memberships,” Inuwa stated.

According to Channelstv, the party official urged El-Rufai and other prospective members to follow due process if they wish to join the SDP. “We advise him and any other interested individuals to follow the proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party,” he added.

SDP rejects dissolution of Kaduna state working committee

Inuwa also criticised the recent dissolution of the Kaduna State working committee of the SDP by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), describing the move as unconstitutional.

“While we recognize the growing interest of individuals and groups in joining the SDP, we emphasise that there are well-defined guidelines and constitutional provisions governing membership admission. Kaduna State chapter of SDP remains open and welcomes all prospective members who adhere to established procedures,” he said.

El-Rufai had announced his resignation from the APC on March 10, 2025, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s direction.

In a statement, he claimed he had raised concerns about the “capricious trajectory” of the APC but received no response from its leadership. His defection to the SDP fueled speculation about his political future, including possible ambitions for the 2027 general elections.

Political analysts suggest that the SDP’s insistence on due process may indicate internal divisions or a cautious approach to high-profile defections.

The party, which has struggled to gain significant traction in recent elections, could benefit from El-Rufai’s influence but risks controversy if his membership is perceived as improperly handled.