Politics

SDP Debunks Suspension Rumors, Accuses APC of Spreading Falsehood About El-Rufai

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 30th, 2025.

SDP Debunks Suspension Rumors, Accuses APC of Spreading Falsehood About El-Rufai

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kaduna State has firmly denied reports claiming that former Governor Nasir El-Rufai has been suspended or expelled from the party, describing the rumors as baseless and politically driven.

In a statement released on Monday, the party’s Kaduna State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Darius Kurah, dismissed the alleged suspension as a deliberate misinformation campaign aimed at destabilizing the party. Kurah labeled the story as fiction orchestrated by political opponents to sow discord within the SDP.

He specifically refuted a statement purportedly issued by Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, who was falsely identified as the party’s National Publicity Secretary. According to Kurah, Aiyenigba holds no such position, and any statement issued under his name carries no official backing.

> “The official National Publicity Secretary of the SDP is Ambassador Judith Shua’ibu,” Kurah clarified. “Any communication from someone else claiming that title is invalid and unauthorized.”

The party emphasized that El-Rufai has not faced any disciplinary procedures, nor has he been summoned before any legitimate party organ—either at the local or national level. Kurah stressed that the SDP constitution outlines specific steps for suspending or expelling members, none of which have been followed in El-Rufai’s case.

Responding to claims that the former governor is allegedly working against the interests of the SDP or aligning with rival political factions, the party called the accusations “completely unfounded.”

> “Mallam Nasir El-Rufai remains a registered member of the SDP. He holds no executive role, and there’s no evidence suggesting he’s sabotaging the party,” Kurah stated.

He further accused unnamed individuals, allegedly connected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), of orchestrating the false reports in an effort to trigger internal conflict ahead of the 2027 elections.

> “This is nothing more than political mischief—an attempt to drag the SDP into needless controversy,” Kurah said. “Our members and the public should treat these stories as deliberate misinformation.”

The party concluded by reaffirming El-Rufai’s status as a member in good standing and urged Nigerians to disregard what it described as “fake news” intended to create confusion.