El-Rufai and Allies Push for Major Overhaul of Social Democratic Party

Controversy Surrounds SDP Overhaul Amid Defection of El-Rufai, Malami, and Al-Mustapha

Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, along with his political allies, is reportedly spearheading a major transformation within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) following their defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move has sparked significant controversy, as many long-standing party members believe the proposed changes threaten the ideological foundation and historical legacy of the SDP.

According to sources within the party, El-Rufai, former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, and ex-Chief Security Officer to late military ruler General Sani Abacha, Hamza Al-Mustapha, are working behind the scenes to restructure the party’s identity, constitution, and overall direction. Insiders claim that the trio is uncomfortable with the SDP’s historic ties to Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO), the widely recognized winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, and view the party as being too socialist-oriented.

Gun Battle Erupts Between IMN Members And Soldiers At Banex Plaza, Abuja

Push for a New SDP: Name, Logo, and Constitution Under Threat

Reports indicate that El-Rufai, Malami, and Al-Mustapha are advocating for drastic changes, including renaming the SDP, altering its logo, and amending its constitution. These moves have unsettled many party faithful, who see them as an attempt to erase the core identity of the party.

A senior party insider revealed:

“El-Rufai, Al-Mustapha, and Malami want to distance themselves from MKO Abiola’s legacy. They believe the party’s current structure is too socialist and are seeking to completely overhaul its ideology. Their goal is to remove all historical links to the annulled 1993 election and rebrand the SDP into something more in line with their vision.”

These proposed changes have triggered unrest among existing members, many of whom feel sidelined by the aggressive takeover. The SDP has long been associated with progressive and democratic values, particularly due to its connection to MKO Abiola, whose election was infamously annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime.

El-Rufai’s Controversial Entry Sparks Internal Resistance

Adding fuel to the controversy is El-Rufai’s alleged failure to follow due process when joining the party. Rather than registering at his ward level, as required by the SDP’s constitution, he reportedly only submitted a resignation letter from the APC to the SDP national secretariat and proceeded to declare himself a member.

An insider explained:

“El-Rufai did not officially join the SDP through his ward, as stipulated in the party’s constitution. Instead, he submitted his APC resignation letter and started announcing himself as an SDP member. This is a clear violation of the party’s procedures.”

Despite lacking formal registration, El-Rufai is allegedly exerting significant influence over the party’s structure and decision-making. This includes pushing for constitutional amendments and attempting to dissolve the party’s state executive committee in Kaduna, a move that party members have condemned as illegal.

“Despite not being a bona fide member of the party, he is already proposing fundamental changes. He even went ahead to illegally dissolve and take over the state executive committee of the party in Kaduna. This is unacceptable,” the source added.

Tension Rises as SDP Members Push Back

These developments have sparked widespread tension within the SDP, with many members resisting what they view as a hostile takeover. Long-standing party leaders argue that El-Rufai’s actions undermine the democratic principles on which the SDP was built.

Critics fear that the former Kaduna governor’s involvement, along with Malami and Al-Mustapha, could push the party toward a more conservative and politically centralized direction, diverging from its traditional pro-democracy stance. Many members worry that their party is being hijacked to serve personal political ambitions rather than the broader interests of its supporters.

What Lies Ahead for the SDP?

With the growing opposition within the SDP, it remains to be seen whether El-Rufai and his allies will succeed in their bid to restructure the party. The resistance from long-term members suggests a potential power struggle that could lead to legal battles, internal divisions, and further political realignments within the party.

As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve, the SDP faces a critical moment that could determine its future direction. Will it remain true to its founding principles, or will it undergo a transformation that redefines its role in the country’s political sphere? Only time will tell.