SDP crisis: El-Rufai, Malami, others move to change party name, logo, constitution

Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, along with close associates, is reportedly planning a major transformation of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) following their recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to sources who spoke with SaharaReporters, El-Rufai is collaborating with former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and ex-Chief Security Officer to late military ruler General Sani Abacha, Hamza Al-Mustapha, to redefine the party’s ideological direction and overall identity.

Insiders reveal that the trio is uncomfortable with the SDP’s historical association with Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO), the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election. They reportedly believe that the party’s ideology leans too heavily toward socialism and are pushing for drastic changes.

“El-Rufai, Al-Mustapha, and Malami are working to change the party’s name, logo, and constitution,” a senior party source disclosed.

“They consider the SDP’s ideology too socialist and want to erase its links to MKO Abiola, whose 1993 election was annulled by Babangida’s regime. They don’t want the party associated with that history.”

These proposed changes have sparked resistance among party members, who fear the move is an attempt to erase the SDP’s legacy and ideological foundation.

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

“El-Rufai did not register through his ward as mandated,” a party insider revealed.

“He merely presented his APC resignation letter to the SDP’s national secretariat and started claiming membership, whereas the proper process requires him to register at the ward level.”

Despite not being formally registered, El-Rufai is already making sweeping moves within the party. Sources claim he is not only pushing for constitutional amendments but has also illegally dissolved the SDP’s state executive committee in Kaduna.

“Even without being a bona fide member, he is already proposing changes to the party’s name, logo, and constitution,” the source added.

“He has also gone ahead to dissolve and take over the party’s state executive structure in Kaduna—an action that is both illegal and unconstitutional.”

The developments have triggered mounting tension within the SDP, with long-standing members resisting what they see as an attempt to hijack and rebrand the party for a different political agenda.