The Forum of 37 State Chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reaffirmed that former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, remains suspended from the party for 30 years, despite recent speculation about his possible comeback.

The forum made this known during a conference in Abuja, where its chairman, Femi Olaniyi, stated that the decision to expel El-Rufai had been fully endorsed by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Olaniyi explained that El-Rufai’s membership was invalid from the outset, as he did not follow the standard registration procedure required of new members through their ward and state party chapters. “The NWC’s decision to suspend El-Rufai for 30 years still stands. He joined through the back door and violated party guidelines,” he said.

According to party officials, El-Rufai’s troubles began in July 2025 when the SDP leadership accused him of forging registration documents and attempting to interfere with internal party structures. His 30-year ban was approved by the NWC and later ratified by the forum of state chairmen.

Efforts to obtain El-Rufai’s reaction were unsuccessful, as his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, did not respond to calls or messages.

The development comes amid ongoing internal conflict within the SDP, which has been divided between factions loyal to suspended National Chairman Shehu Gabam and those seeking to reform the party. The state chairmen’s forum said it remains determined to “cleanse the party of internal sabotage” and rebuild it into a stronger third-force platform.

Political observers note that the dispute highlights deep-rooted tensions within the SDP as it prepares for upcoming national elections. Despite the controversy, party leaders insist that their decision on El-Rufai is final and not open to negotiation.