A youth coalition within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has strongly opposed the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that his political history is riddled with anti-democratic tendencies and a disregard for inclusivity. El-Rufai, who recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after criticizing its leadership, formally joined the SDP earlier this week. However, his move has sparked resistance within the party, particularly from the SDP Youths and Supporters Coalition.
In a statement issued on Friday, the group’s president, Comrade Abdulsamad Bello, described El-Rufai as “unfit and morally unqualified” to be a member of the SDP, warning that his presence could destabilize the party.
"We reject El-Rufai’s entrance into our party in its entirety. He has come not as a reformer but as an undertaker, seeking to bury the SDP before it even has the chance to grow," Bello declared.
The youth coalition also accused the SDP leadership of making a secret deal to admit El-Rufai, calling it a dangerous move that threatens the party’s stability.
"El-Rufai has never believed in democracy. His tenure as governor was marked by impunity, authoritarianism, and suppression of opposition voices. It is shocking that our party leadership would allow itself to be infiltrated by someone with such a track record," the statement added.
Tensions have already begun to rise within the SDP following El-Rufai’s defection. His supporters staged a protest at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, demanding the resignation of the SDP National Secretary, Olu Agunloye—an action the youth group sees as an attempt to seize control of the party.
"Barely days after joining, El-Rufai is already pushing for a leadership change. His desperation to control the SDP is evident, and we will not allow it," Bello insisted.
The group further claimed that El-Rufai’s move to the SDP is a calculated political strategy aimed at rebranding himself, especially after his fallout with President Bola Tinubu and the APC.
"This is nothing but a desperate attempt to reinvent himself politically. The same man who once insulted opposition leaders is now seeking refuge in their midst. His hypocrisy knows no bounds," Bello concluded.
As the controversy continues, the SDP faces an internal struggle over whether to fully embrace El-Rufai or heed the warnings of its youth wing.
The news was earlier reported by Vanguard
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