The Kaduna State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party has disowned former governor Nasir El-Rufai, stating that he is not a recognized member of the party in Kaduna State.

The PUNCH online reports that El-Rufai and some member of the All Progressives Congress 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 his decision.

El-Rufai in a press statement released on his X handle expressed his disappointment with the APC’s leadership, accusing the party of straying from the progressive ideals of its founding members.

“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.”

However, at a press conference held in Kaduna on Friday, the party’s Assistant National Secretary, Northwest zone, Idris Inuwa, emphasised that El-Rufai’s entry into the party remained a rumor as he has yet to follow due process.

“It has come to our notice that certain individuals, including 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, therefore, 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.

Inuwa also rejected the purported dissolution of the Kaduna State Working Committee of the SDP, stating that it is unconstitutional and an affront to the principles of due process and internal democracy.

“The Kaduna State Executive Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) categorically rejects the purported dissolution of the State Working Committee as contained in a letter from the National Secretariat dated 25 February, 2025,” Inuwa said.

Inuwa emphasized that the Kaduna State Executive Committee is a product of a duly conducted State Congress and holds a four-year mandate that remains valid and binding.

He added that the SDP constitution clearly outlines the process and procedure for dissolving a State Executive Committee, which includes initiating an investigation, setting up a committee, and providing a fair hearing transparently.

“The Kaduna State Executive Committee is the legitimate outcome of a duly conducted State Congress, reflecting the will of the party members and adhering strictly to the party’s constitutional provisions. This body holds a four-year mandate that remains valid, binding, and legally recognised throughout its tenure.

“The SDP constitution state very clearly the process and procedure to follow in dissolving a State Exco; which includes but limited to initiating an investigation, setting up committee, providing fair hearing transparently before a decision is taken; none of this was done-only the resort to the illegal unilateral letter of dissolution,” Inuwa said.

Inuwa concluded by emphasising 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 emphasise 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. (The PUNCH)