The National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Olu Agunloye, has confirmed that former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has joined the party. However, concerns have emerged among SDP members in Kaduna over the legitimacy of his membership.
In an interview with *Newsnwm*, Agunloye addressed the controversy, explaining the party’s registration process and the protests surrounding El-Rufai’s entry. When asked about El-Rufai’s status and whether the party welcomed him, Agunloye responded enthusiastically.
“Of course, we are happy to have the former governor and minister, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, in the SDP. Which party wouldn’t want such a vibrant and energetic politician? He joined on 10 March 2025,” he said.
However, reports of protests by some Kaduna SDP members have raised doubts over El-Rufai’s official status. Agunloye clarified that the protests were procedural rather than personal.
“I checked and found the complaints were genuine and based on formalities. The protesters were not opposed to El-Rufai but were questioning the process,” he explained.
According to Agunloye, membership registration must start at the ward level before being recognised nationally.
“The correct process is registration at the ward level. New members cannot admit themselves. They must be registered by the ward chairman. After this, ceremonies can be held anywhere, but the ward must initiate the process,” he said.
Agunloye added that the ward must submit the updated register through the state chairman to the national secretariat before he formally communicates it to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Despite confirming El-Rufai’s entry, Agunloye admitted he was unaware of the specific terms of his membership.
“I do not know under what deal or conditions he joined. But for legitimacy, his membership must be officially communicated to INEC,” he said.
When asked about El-Rufai’s motives, Agunloye remained tight-lipped.
“I do not know. Our national chairman will disclose this information soon,” he said.
As the controversy unfolds, attention now turns to whether El-Rufai’s registration process will be rectified and what his presence in the SDP signals for future elections.
