A coalition of youth members within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has strongly opposed the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of attempting to seize control of the party for his personal political ambitions.
El-Rufai, who recently resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), formally joined the SDP this week amid ongoing political realignments. However, his move has sparked internal resistance, particularly from the SDP Youths and Supporters Coalition, which insists that his entry threatens the party’s democratic principles.
In a statement on Friday, the coalition’s president, Comrade Abdulsamad Bello, described El-Rufai as “unfit and morally unqualified” to be a member of the SDP, citing his alleged history of authoritarian leadership and disregard for democratic values.
“We reject El-Rufai’s entrance into our party in its entirety. He is not here to reform but to dismantle the SDP before it even has the chance to grow,” Bello said.
The group also condemned what it called a “clandestine deal” between the party’s leadership and El-Rufai, warning that his presence could destabilize the SDP.
“El-Rufai has never believed in democracy. His record of suppressing opposition voices, sidelining party members, and enforcing his will through coercion is well documented,” Bello added.
Tensions have already begun to surface following his defection. On Wednesday, El-Rufai’s supporters staged a protest at the SDP national headquarters in Abuja, demanding the resignation of the party’s National Secretary, Olu Agunloye—an action the youth coalition claims is a sign of his attempt to take control of the party’s leadership.
“Barely days after joining, he is already pushing for the removal of key figures in our party’s leadership. This is a clear sign of his desperation to dominate the SDP and reshape it in his own image,” the statement read.
The group further accused El-Rufai of using the SDP as a platform for political survival following his fallout with the APC and President Bola Tinubu.
“El-Rufai’s resignation from the APC and his calculated move to the SDP is nothing more than a desperate bid to remain relevant. The same man who once dismissed opposition leaders is now seeking refuge in their midst,” Bello alleged.
The youth coalition has called on party members to resist what they described as a “backdoor takeover,” vowing to oppose any attempt to mortgage the party’s future for personal interests.
The SDP leadership has yet to officially respond to the coalition’s statement.
