Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State and one of Nigeria’s most polarizing political figures, has been expelled from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and banned from all party activities for the next 30 years. The bombshell decision was announced on Monday, July 28, 2025, by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), triggering waves of political reaction nationwide.
In a statement signed by SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party cited grave violations of its constitution, ideology, and guiding principles. El-Rufai, the NWC declared, no longer represents the interests of the party and has been barred from associating with its symbols, institutions, or members for three decades—effective immediately.
“This decision aligns with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act regarding a political party’s right to determine its membership,” the NWC stated. The party also warned members to desist from any form of association with El-Rufai, describing him as a political liability who poses a threat to the unity and values of the SDP.
El-Rufai defected to the SDP in 2024 after a controversial exit from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing disillusionment with the ruling party’s direction. His presence in the SDP was seen as part of a broader opposition realignment, especially after his involvement in the formation of a coalition that recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform for the 2027 elections.
Party insiders allege El-Rufai’s moves within the opposition bloc undermined SDP’s internal cohesion and agenda. His alignment with ADC was viewed as a betrayal that triggered his political excommunication. Analysts are calling this the most severe punishment meted out to a high-profile politician in recent party history.
The 30-year ban effectively shuts El-Rufai out of the SDP until 2055, barring him from contesting, contributing, or participating in any of its future activities. It also sends a clear message to other defectors and opposition politicians exploring strategic alliances that the SDP will not tolerate disloyalty or backdoor politicking.
As the political chessboard reshuffles ahead of the 2027 general elections, El-Rufai’s expulsion marks a significant fracture in the emerging opposition movement. Whether this forces him to solidify ties with ADC or launch a solo political crusade remains to be seen—but the political stakes just got higher.
