El-Rufai, Malami, Al-Mustapha Plot forceful Takeover of SDP Amid Defection

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, alongside former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and ex-Chief Security Officer to the late General Sani Abacha, Hamza Al-Mustapha, is reportedly working to restructure the Social Democratic Party (SDP) following their recent defection.

Sources reveal that the trio plans to alter the party’s identity, including its name, logo, and constitution, citing discomfort with its socialist ideology and historical ties to Moshood Abiola, who won the annulled 1993 presidential election under the SDP.

“They don’t want anything to do with MKO Abiola, as his 1993 victory was annulled by Babangida. They see the party as too socialist and want a complete rebranding,” a senior party source disclosed.

Despite his defection, El-Rufai has yet to officially join the SDP through the proper channels. Instead of registering at his ward level, as required, he reportedly submitted his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) directly to the SDP national secretariat and declared his membership.

“El-Rufai did not follow due process; he simply presented his APC resignation and began acting as an SDP member. He even attempted to dissolve and take control of the state executive committee, which is illegal,” another source stated.

The move has sparked tensions within the party, as loyalists resist what they view as an attempt to erase the party’s ideological roots.

SDP Kaduna Denies El-Rufai’s Membership

Amid growing controversy, the SDP’s Kaduna chapter has denied El-Rufai’s membership claim, stating that he is not registered with the party in the state.

“Neither the chairman of Kaduna North Local Government nor the leadership of Unguwar Sarki Ward has any record of his membership,” said Idris Inuwa, the party’s Assistant National Secretary for the Northwest zone.

He advised El-Rufai and his allies to follow the proper registration process if they wish to be recognized.

Inuwa also dismissed the alleged dissolution of the Kaduna State Working Committee by the party’s national secretariat, calling it unconstitutional.

Historical Context: SDP’s Legacy and Abiola’s Election

The SDP remains historically linked to MKO Abiola, who contested and won the June 12, 1993, presidential election under its platform. The election, regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, was annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, leading to nationwide protests and political unrest.

Following the annulment, General Sani Abacha seized power, and in 1994, Abiola declared himself President, leading to his arrest and imprisonment for treason. His wife, Kudirat Abiola, was assassinated in 1996, with accusations pointing to Al-Mustapha’s security apparatus.

Al-Mustapha, once accused of running a deadly strike force under Abacha’s regime, was sentenced to death in 2013 for his alleged role in Kudirat’s murder. However, the conviction was overturned on appeal, and he was released.

The ongoing restructuring attempt by El-Rufai and his allies has raised concerns about the future of the SDP and its historical significance in Nigeria’s democracy.