A youth faction within Nigeria’s Social Democratic Party (SDP) has strongly opposed the defection of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, labeling him as “unfit” and “morally unqualified” to join the party.
The group accused him of having a history marked by anti-democratic actions and a lack of inclusivity during his tenure.
El-Rufai, who had been critical of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), officially joined the SDP earlier this week, following meetings with opposition leaders. His move has provoked backlash, particularly from the SDP Youths and Supporters Coalition.
In a statement on Friday, the group, led by president Comrade Abdulsamad Bello, condemned El-Rufai’s defection, arguing that his past actions as governor showed a clear disregard for democratic principles.
“We reject El-Rufai’s entrance into our party entirely. He is not a reformer but an undertaker seeking to stifle the SDP before it has the chance to thrive,” Bello asserted.
The coalition further criticized the party’s leadership for what it described as a “secret deal” that allowed El-Rufai’s defection, warning that his presence could destabilize the party.
“El-Rufai has never believed in democracy. His record of suppressing opposition, sidelining party members, and coercing others to follow his will is well-documented,” Bello added.
Tensions have already begun to surface, with El-Rufai’s supporters holding a protest at the SDP national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding the resignation of the party’s national secretary, Olu Agunloye. The youth group viewed this as part of El-Rufai’s attempt to gain control of the party’s leadership.
“Just days after joining our party, El-Rufai is already pushing for leadership changes. His call for Agunloye to resign, despite the party having internal processes to address such matters, shows his desperation to seize control of the SDP and reshape it in his own image,” the statement said.
The group also accused El-Rufai of using the SDP as a springboard for his personal political ambitions, especially after his recent criticisms of President Bola Tinubu and the APC.
“El-Rufai’s departure from the APC and his strategic entry into the SDP is a calculated attempt to resurrect his political career. The same man who once belittled opposition leaders is now seeking to align himself with them. His hypocrisy is glaring,” Bello concluded.
