Kaduna SDP: El-Rufai not our member — he didn’t follow due process

Idris Inuwa, the assistant national secretary for the northwest zone of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), says Nasir el-Rufai, former Kaduna governor, is not a member of the party.

BACKGROUND

On March 10, el-Rufai resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and defection to the SDP.

Announcing his decision, el-Rufai said he raised several concerns about the “capricious trajectory” in the party but the leadership allegedly failed to address them.

“Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish,” the former Kaduna governor said.

El-Rufai subsequently met with leaders of the party, including Shehu Gabam, the national chairman, in Abuja.

‘HE DIDN’T FOLLOW DUE PROCESS’

Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Kaduna, Inuwa said the ward and state chapter of the SDP has no membership record of el-Rufai.

“It has come to our notice that certain individuals, including Nasir el-Rufai, are being rumoured to have joined the SDP,” he said.

“However, neither the chairman of the Kaduna north local government chapter in Kaduna state, nor the leadership of Unguwar Sarki ward, has any record of these memberships.”

He urged the former Kaduna governor and other prospective members to adhere to the proper membership process.

“We advise him and any other interested individuals to follow the proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party,” he said.

To officially join a political party in Nigeria, you must register at your ward level as most political party has structures at the ward, local government, state, and national levels.

Inuwa also opposed the dissolution of the Kaduna state working committee of the SDP by the national working committee (NWC).

“While we recognize the growing interest of individuals and groups in joining the SDP, we emphasise that there are well-defined guidelines and constitutional provisions governing membership admission,” he said.

Inuwa added that the Kaduna chapter of the SDP “remains open and welcoming to all prospective members” who adhere to established procedures.