The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has publicly disowned former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, stating that he is not a member of the party and has no authority to represent or speak on its behalf.

The clarification was made on Friday during a press briefing in Kaduna by the SDP Zonal Secretary for the North-West, Inuwa Idris. He expressed concern over El-Rufai’s recent appearances at policy dialogues and strategy meetings where he allegedly spoke as a representative of the SDP.

“It has come to our attention that Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i has taken it upon himself to appear in various fora… 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,” Idris stated.

Idris stressed that El-Rufai does not appear in any membership records, has never participated in the party’s programmes, and has not received any appointment or mandate from the national leadership.

He reaffirmed the leadership of Acting National Chairman Dr. Sadiq Umar, National Secretary Chief Olu Agunloye, and 2023 presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo as the only recognised representatives of the party. The public and stakeholders were urged to disregard any statements made by El-Rufai under the SDP banner.

The party also called for the suspension of Dr. Umar Ardo, accusing him of promoting a new political party, African Democratic Assembly (ADA), while allegedly using the SDP platform to advance his agenda.

“We pass a vote of no confidence on Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i. Let this serve as a final warning… Any further impersonation and 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,” Idris said.

The SDP maintained that all official communications and engagements must go through recognised and endorsed party officials.