By John Umeh
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has imposed a 30-year ban on former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, barring him from all party-related activities. The decision, which many political observers have described as unprecedented, was announced on Monday following an emergency meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee in Abuja.
The SDP leadership cited “gross misconduct, anti-party activities, and political sabotage” as reasons behind the drastic measure. According to the party, El-Rufai’s alleged attempts to infiltrate and destabilize the party structure through proxies and backdoor alliances violated the party’s constitution and threatened its long-term unity and stability.
“After careful deliberation and investigation, the National Executive Committee of our great party has resolved to impose a 30-year ban on Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, effectively expelling him from all forms of association with the SDP,” the party’s National Chairman stated during a press briefing. “We cannot and will not compromise our values to accommodate political merchants whose sole aim is personal gain and party disruption.”
The statement also warned that any member found aligning with El-Rufai’s political interests within or outside the party would face immediate disciplinary action.
This decision comes amid widespread speculation that El-Rufai had been exploring new political platforms after growing distant from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His recent public appearances and cryptic remarks had fueled rumours of a possible political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, with some insiders suggesting he had been quietly reaching out to third-force movements, including the SDP.
In response, El-Rufai has yet to issue an official statement, but sources close to him described the action as “politically motivated and irrelevant.” One aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Mallam El-Rufai is not a member of the SDP, has never sought membership, and remains unbothered by what can best be described as political theatre.”
Nonetheless, political analysts say the move signals a tougher stance by emerging parties like the SDP to shield themselves from what they perceive as infiltration by heavyweight politicians with unclear motives. It also marks a bold attempt by the party to reassert its independence and solidify its internal structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Whether the 30-year ban has real political implications or is merely symbolic remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — the SDP has thrown down the gauntlet, and the political drama surrounding Nasir El-Rufai continues to unfold.
