NDC sacks Borno candidate over alleged pro-Atiku campaign

The Nigeria Democratic Congress in Borno State has dismissed one of its candidates for the state House of Assembly, Mohammed Bunu, for allegedly campaigning for the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

In a letter dated October 25, 2026, addressed to Bunu and signed by the NDC state deputy chairman, Umar Fema, the party said his conduct was considered inconsistent with its constitution, rules, regulations and established principles of discipline.

The letter, made available to our correspondent on Sunday, said the matter concerned campaign materials bearing the logo of the African Democratic Congress, alongside the photographs and names of Atiku Abubakar and Bunu.

The letter read, “The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Borno State chapter, hereby formally communicates the party’s disciplinary decision concerning allegations of anti-party activities and conduct considered inconsistent with the party’s constitution, rules, regulations, and established principles of discipline.”

Fema said the decision followed a disciplinary matter initiated at the Hausari ward level and subsequently referred to the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council party leadership for investigation and further consideration.

“The matter concerns campaign material bearing the logo of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the slogan ‘SABON TAFIYA, SABON SALO,’ and the photographs and names of His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Hon. Mohammed Bunu,” the letter stated.

It added that the appearance of Bunu’s name and photograph on the material raised concerns among party leaders about his political association, allegiance, loyalty and commitment to the NDC’s principles and interests.

The party said it considered the matter a serious disciplinary issue requiring examination under its constitution and established internal procedures.

According to the letter, the Hausari Ward Executive invited Bunu to appear before it at about 10 am on October 23, 2026, to respond to allegations concerning his alleged involvement in campaign activities associated with another political party.

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“According to the report submitted by the ward leadership, you did not appear to defend yourself,” the letter stated.

Fema said that following Bunu’s non-appearance, the ward secretary, Rabiu Umar, recommended disciplinary action and referred the matter to the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Working Committee for further consideration.

The letter added that Bunu was invited again on October 24 to appear before an investigation committee to respond to the allegations but, according to the party’s report, did not attend the proceedings.

After considering the committee’s report, the MMC party chairman, Adamu Ibrahim, endorsed the recommendation for dismissal and forwarded the matter to the state leadership for further action in accordance with the party’s constitution, the letter said.

Fema stated that, based on the allegations examined and reports submitted through the party’s disciplinary structure, the NDC had decided to dismiss Bunu from the party, subject to applicable constitutional requirements and the authority of the relevant party organs.

The notice formally recorded the disciplinary action arising from proceedings initiated at Hausari Ward and considered at the MMC level, he said.

Bunu was also directed to respect the party’s established procedures and refrain from representing himself as authorised to act on behalf of the NDC in any capacity affected by a valid and effective party decision.

However, the letter cautioned that any action affecting Bunu’s status as an NDC candidate should be distinguished from the separate question of terminating or expelling his party membership.