NDC Sacks Borno Candidate for Campaigning for Atiku

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Borno State has announced the dismissal of Mohammed Bunu, one of its candidates for the state House of Assembly, over allegations that he participated in campaign activities linked to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Politics Nigeria gathered that the party communicated its decision in a letter dated October 25, 2026, addressed to Bunu and signed by its state deputy chairman, Umar Fema.

The letter accused the candidate of engaging in conduct that allegedly violated the NDC’s constitution, internal regulations and disciplinary principles.

According to the party, the 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 questions within the NDC leadership about the candidate’s political allegiance and commitment to the party.

In the letter, Fema stated, “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.”

The state leadership said the matter originated at the Hausari Ward level before being referred to the party leadership in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) for further investigation and consideration.

The NDC said the presence of Bunu’s name and photograph on materials associated with another political party was a serious concern.

It argued that the circumstances required examination under its internal disciplinary procedures to determine whether the alleged conduct was compatible with the responsibilities of a party candidate.

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

The invitation was intended to give him an opportunity to explain his alleged involvement in campaign activities associated with the ADC.

However, the party claimed that Bunu failed to 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 forwarded the matter to the MMC Working Committee for further consideration.

The party said the investigation continued at the metropolitan council level, where Bunu was reportedly invited again on October 24 to respond to the allegations before an investigation committee.

According to the NDC’s account, he did not attend the second proceeding either. The committee subsequently reviewed the matter and submitted its findings to the party leadership for a decision.

The MMC chairman, Adamu Ibrahim, reportedly endorsed the recommendation for Bunu’s dismissal and forwarded the case to the state executive for further action in line with the party’s constitution.

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

The letter described the dismissal as the outcome of proceedings that began at the ward level and were subsequently considered by the metropolitan council leadership.

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 a valid and effective party decision.

The notice, however, made an important distinction between the decision concerning Bunu’s position as a candidate and the separate question of his party membership.

According to the letter, any action affecting his status as an NDC candidate should not automatically be treated as equivalent to the termination or expulsion of his membership.

This distinction leaves the precise implications of the decision for his membership dependent on the applicable party rules and any further action by the relevant organs.

The allegations against Bunu centre on whether his appearance on campaign materials associated with Atiku and the ADC amounted to anti-party activity.

The letter presents the NDC’s position and account of its internal proceedings, but it does not establish that Bunu personally produced or authorised the materials.

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

As of the information contained in the October 25 letter, the NDC had announced its decision to dismiss Bunu as a candidate.

No response from Bunu was included in the notice, and the party’s account of his alleged involvement in the ADC campaign remained the basis of the disciplinary action described in the document.

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