July 29, (THEWILL) — The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has distanced itself from a statement claiming that former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has been expelled from the party.
The party, through its Kaduna State Publicity Secretary, Darius Kurah, on Tuesday urged Nigerians, especially the media and stakeholders, to disregard the statement, which was issued on Monday by one Amb. Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, who claimed to be the party’s National Publicity Secretary.
Kurah, in a statement, dismissed the claim and clarified that Aiyenigba does not currently hold the position of National Publicity Secretary of the SDP.
He said the authentic and duly recognized National Publicity Secretary of the party is Judith Shu’aibu.
“Our attention has been drawn to a false and misleading statement purportedly issued by one Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, claiming that Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has been expelled and banished from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for thirty years,” the statement read.
It added, “We wish to categorically state that the individual in question, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, does not currently serve as the National Publicity Secretary of the SDP.
“The authentic and duly recognized National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party is Judith Shu’aibu. Therefore, any statement issued under Aiyenigba’s name in that capacity is null, unauthorized, and of no consequence.”
Kurah further emphasized that El-Rufai had not at any point received a query, appeared before any disciplinary committee, or been served an expulsion notice from any legally constituted organ of the party, including his ward or the National Working Committee (NWC).
“The SDP, as a democratic institution, operates under a constitution that outlines clear processes for membership admission and disciplinary actions,” he noted.
He added, “The claim that Mallam El-Rufai is promoting the activities of other political parties is baseless and unsubstantiated. El-Rufai has never claimed SDP membership or paraded himself as a party member in any official capacity.”
Kurah described the statement as a politically motivated attempt to cause confusion within the party and the general public.
“Mallam El-Rufai has not formally declared membership of the SDP or fulfilled the constitutional requirements, such as ward registration. Any suggestion to the contrary is a fabrication aimed at dragging his name into political speculation,” he added.
The SDP also warned that the circulation of false claims using an impersonated office is defamatory and could lead to legal action.
“The circulation of such false claims under an impersonated office is defamatory and actionable under the law. Legal steps may be considered against the individuals involved in this misrepresentation if this smear continues,” he said.
He added, “We urge the public, the media, and party stakeholders to disregard this fraudulent statement. 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.”
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