Social Democratic Party, SDP, has disowned a former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, declaring that he is neither a member of the party nor authorised to speak for it or represent it.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the Zonal Secretary, North-West Zone, SDP, Inuwa Idris, made the disclosure yesterday in Kaduna during a press briefing.
Idris said, “It has come to our attention that Malam El-Rufa’i has taken it upon himself to appear in various fora, including policy dialogues, stakeholder engagements and even private strategy meetings purporting to speak on behalf of the Social Democratic Party.
“Let this be made unequivocally clear to all: Malam El-Rufa’i is not authorised, mandated or recognised by the SDP in any capacity to represent its interests, articulate its positions or speak on its behalf.
”His actions were carried out entirely without the knowledge, consent or approval of the party’s national leadership-including our dynamic Acting National Chairman, Dr Sadiq Umar, among others.”
He emphasised that El-Rufai is not listed in any of the party’s membership records, has never participated in its programmes nor has he been issued any appointment or mandate to act on behalf of the party at any level.
Idris reaffirmed the leadership of Umar, National Secretary, Chief Olu Agunloye and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo.
He warned stakeholders and the public to disregard any statement issued by El-Rufai under SDP’s banner.
The secretary explained that the party has maintained a transparent system of delegation and official communication.
Idris added that future engagements, policy discussions or collaborative initiatives involving the party must be channelled through officially endorsed representatives, whose identities would be made available upon request.
He stated, “We pass a vote of no confidence on Malam El-Rufa’i.
“We call for the immediate suspension of Dr Umar Ardo from SDP, as he is now a known promoter of a new political party, the ADC. Resorting to the use of SDP’s platform is the height of desperation and a crass display of failure in political brinkmanship.
“Let this serve as a final warning for them. Desist from your fraudulent activities.
“Any further impersonation or we will be compelled to call for a special committee to look into these matters with a view to publish all the misdeeds across available platforms.”
