SDP Makes U-turn Over El-Rufai’s Ban
The Kaduna State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has declared that the party did not expel nor ban former governor of the state, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
SDP in Kaduna also threatened those it described as impersonators and mischief makers with legal action if they fail to desist from what it called smear campaign.
Reacting over the reported expulsion and banishing of El-Rufai from the SDP on Monday, Publicity Secretary of the party in Kaduna State, Darius Kurah, in a statement, noted that as a democratic institution, the SDP operates under a constitution that outlines clear processes for membership admission and disciplinary action.
Kurah added that at no point did El-Rufai receive any official query, disciplinary hearing, or expulsion notice from any legally constituted organ of the party, including his ward or the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
He described the thirty years’ expulsion and ban on El-Rufai by the Araba Rufus Aiyenigba’s National Working as false and misleading.
Faulting the earlier statement credited to the party, Kurah said, “The individual in question, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, does not currently serve as the National Publicity Secretary of the SDP.
“The authentic and duly recognised National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party is Amb. Judith Shu’aibu. Therefore, any statement issued under Aiyenigba’s name in that capacity is null, unauthorised, and of no consequence.
“The claim that Mallam El-Rufai is promoting the activities of other political parties is baseless and unsubstantiated. El-Rufai has consistently shown a commitment to good governance and national discourse, but has not claimed or paraded himself as an SDP member in any official capacity.
“Mallam El-Rufai has not formally declared membership of the SDP or completed the constitutional requirements, such as ward registration. Any suggestion otherwise is a fabrication aimed at dragging his name into political speculation.”
He added that, “The circulation of such false claims under an impersonated office is defamatory and actionable under the law,” adding “Legal steps may be considered against the individuals involved in this misrepresentation if this smear continues.”
The statement urged the public, the media, and party stakeholders to disregard this “fraudulent statement,” stressing that, ”The Social Democratic Party remains committed to democratic ideals and will not allow impostors to undermine its processes or use its name for personal or political vendettas.”
