Barely a day after former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai officially joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), tensions have erupted within the party, particularly in Kogi State.
The SDP Chairman in Kogi State, Moses Peter Oricha, has strongly condemned an alleged unauthorized state congress being planned by individuals he claims have no official standing in the party.
In a statement released on Tuesday, March 11, Oricha urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Kogi State Police Command to disregard and prevent the proposed congress, scheduled for March 12, 2025.
“Some individuals, who are not recognized members of the SDP, are planning an illegal congress in Kogi State. This is a clear attempt to destabilize the party, and we will not allow it,” Oricha stated.
He emphasized that any congress outside the approved party schedule is null and void, warning that such moves could lead to unnecessary division within the SDP.
According to Oricha, the legitimate leadership of the SDP in Kogi State was elected during an official congress held on April 9, 2022, in accordance with the party’s constitution.
“Our party has a structured leadership, and the next valid congress is slated for April 2026. Any gathering outside this framework holds no legal validity,” he affirmed.
Oricha also called on party members to remain united and avoid being misled by individuals seeking to cause instability.
“These so-called party members are being used to create confusion. We urge all loyal SDP supporters to stand firm and not fall for their antics,” he added.
The crisis within the SDP has raised questions about internal conflicts, especially since it broke out immediately after El-Rufai’s defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP.
While some see the former Kaduna governor’s entry as a boost to the party, others fear it may have triggered fresh power struggles within the SDP’s ranks.
