The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has distanced itself from former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, stating clearly that he is not a member and has no authority to speak or act on its behalf.
Inuwa Idris, the party’s North-West Zonal Secretary, made this known during a press briefing held on Friday, July 25, in Kaduna.
Idris said, “It has come to our attention that Malam Nasir 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.”
Idris noted that El-Rufai’s name does not appear in any of the party’s official records, nor has he ever been involved in the party’s activities or granted any form of appointment.
He reaffirmed the leadership of Dr Umar as acting National Chairman, Chief Olu Agunloye as National Secretary, and Prince Adewole Adebayo as the SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate.
READ ALSO: Kaduna SDP Disowns El-Rufai, Denies His Membership Claims
The party also issued a warning to members of the public and stakeholders to ignore any statement made by El-Rufai under the SDP’s name.
According to Idris, the SDP operates a clear system of delegation and only officially recognised individuals are authorised to represent it. He added that the names of such persons would be made available upon request.
Idris went on to declare, “We pass a vote of no confidence on Malam Nasiru 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 the SDP 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 by the powers of NEC to look into these matters with a view of publishing all the misdeeds across all available platforms.”