SDP Not For Sale – Integrity Group Rejects El-Rufai’s Alleged Appointment
The Integrity Group of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dismissed claims that former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasiru Ahmad El-Rufai, has been appointed as the party’s new leader.
Its National Coordinator, Abdullahi Muhammad Saleh, and Secretary, James Allen Ettah, the group described the announcement from the party’s national secretariat as “vexatious and ill-advised.”
The group criticised the press release from the SDP national secretariat, stating that it misrepresented El-Rufai, who only recently joined the party, as its leader.
They condemned the development, saying it was “mendacious, preposterous, and a big slap on the faces of our noble and respected leaders” who have worked hard to build the party for over three years.
Rejecting what they termed an “unacceptable” narrative, the group said: “A joiner of less than one week has become leader of the party.”
They further stated, “Whatever inducement or agenda that informed that unwholesome game is dead on arrival, as the majority of the party members across the country who stand for integrity will not fold their hands and watch the SDP to be turned into a tool for personal aggrandisement, or for it to be used to wage a self-serving war of attrition, rather than strengthening it as a credible alternative platform to reclaim Nigeria and to serve as a formidable vehicle to take Nigeria to the promised land.”
While welcoming El-Rufai and other new members, the group insisted that the SDP must focus on strengthening itself as a credible opposition platform.
They warned against introducing a “transactional orientation” that could undermine the party’s credibility and integrity.
The statement also asserted that the party must not become a haven for individuals seeking to evade accountability.
“The SDP is not a place where anyone haunted by their past will find a safe haven to shield them from justice. The party, as a tradition, does not interfere in any corruption charges or investigations involving its members,” the group said.
Reaffirming their commitment to the party’s founding principles, they vowed to resist any attempt to impose El-Rufai as leader.
“We are poised to mobilize like-minded members across the party structures to reject and resist any deliberate attempt to manipulate Mallam El-Rufai to national relevance as leader of the SDP.”
The group also expressed concerns about members with controversial pasts joining the party, reiterating that the SDP is not a “safe haven” for those seeking to evade justice.
They maintained their stance on the rule of law and the party’s non-interference in legal matters involving its members.
They also cautioned El-Rufai to adhere to the party’s culture and discipline, warning, “If he fails to respect the noble traditions of the political family he has newly joined, his marriage with the SDP may be short-lived.”
The group called on the National Working Committee (NWC) to uphold the party’s values and remain accountable to the broader membership rather than individuals seeking political relevance.
“The SDP is not for sale. We will continue to organize and work to protect and promote the founding ideology of the party,” the statement concluded.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
