NDC accuses Borno Assembly candidate of supporting Atiku’s ADC campaign, expels him

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Borno State has announced the dismissal of Mohammed Bunu as one of its candidates for the state House of Assembly over alleged involvement in campaign activities associated with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The decision was communicated in a letter dated October 25, 2026, addressed to Bunu and signed by the party’s Deputy State Chairman, Umar Fema, according to a report by Politics Nigeria.

In the letter, the party accused Bunu of conduct it said could violate its constitution, internal regulations and disciplinary principles.

The NDC said its action followed an internal investigation into campaign materials bearing the ADC logo, the slogan “SABON TAFIYA, SABON SALO,” and the names and photographs of Atiku and Bunu.

The materials reportedly raised concerns within the party over the candidate’s political allegiance and commitment to the NDC.

“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 stated in the letter.

Party Cites Candidate’s Absence From Disciplinary Meetings

According to the NDC, the matter originated at the Hausari Ward level before being referred to the party leadership in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) for further investigation.

The letter stated that the Hausari Ward Executive invited Bunu to appear before it at about 10 a.m. on October 23, 2026, to respond to the allegations.

However, the party claimed that he did not attend the meeting.

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

Following his reported absence, the ward secretary, Rabiu Umar, recommended disciplinary action and referred the matter to the MMC Working Committee.

The party said Bunu was subsequently invited to appear before an investigation committee at the metropolitan council level on October 24 but allegedly failed to attend the second proceeding.

According to the letter, the committee reviewed the matter and forwarded its findings to the party leadership for consideration.

The MMC chairman, Adamu Ibrahim, reportedly endorsed the recommendation for Bunu’s dismissal and referred the case to the state executive for further action.

Fema said the state leadership considered the reports submitted through the party’s disciplinary structure before reaching its decision.

NDC Clarifies Scope of Dismissal

The party also directed Bunu to comply with its established procedures and refrain from presenting himself as authorised to represent the NDC in any capacity affected by the decision.

However, the letter distinguished between his removal as a party candidate and the separate question of his membership status.

According to the document, the decision concerning his candidacy should not automatically be interpreted as the termination of his membership or formal expulsion from the party.

The precise implications of the decision for his membership would therefore depend on the applicable party rules and any further action taken by the relevant party organs.

The allegations centre on whether Bunu’s appearance on campaign materials associated with Atiku and the ADC amounted to anti-party activity under the NDC’s internal rules.

However, the letter does not establish whether Bunu personally produced, authorised or approved the materials.

His response to the allegations was also not included in the notice provided by the party.

As of the date of the letter, the NDC had announced its decision to dismiss Bunu as a candidate. The party’s allegations and account of the disciplinary proceedings had not been accompanied by a response from him in the information provided.

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