Nigeria Democratic Congress officials in Borno State have rescinded a dismissal letter issued to House of Assembly candidate Mohammed Bunu after a party inquiry found insufficient evidence that he campaigned for African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.
Key takeaways
- A seven-member reconciliation panel investigated the claims after being formed on October 25, 2026.
- The committee reviewed submissions from Hausari Ward and the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council party structures.
- Campaign materials featuring the ADC emblem, the phrase “Sabon Tafiya, Sabon Salo,” and images of Atiku and Bunu triggered the dispute.
- The NDC said its national convention alone can validate a member’s expulsion.
- Bunu continues to be regarded as an active and recognised NDC member.
Party review overturns disciplinary action
The Borno State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress said Tuesday that it had cancelled the earlier disciplinary notice against Bunu, following the findings of its reconciliation committee.
Aliyu Balarabe, the party’s state publicity secretary, said the seven-member panel had been assigned on October 25, 2026, to examine the accusations and ensure that Bunu was given an opportunity to respond.
The panel considered reports submitted by party officials in Hausari Ward and the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, then heard Bunu’s own account before determining that the allegations had not been proven.
Disputed campaign materials
The issue emerged after a dismissal notice dated October 25 alleged that Bunu had acted in a manner that breached the NDC constitution and its internal disciplinary provisions.
The complaint centred on campaign publicity carrying the ADC logo and the “Sabon Tafiya, Sabon Salo” slogan, alongside the photographs and names of both Atiku and Bunu. The materials were seen as evidence that the Assembly candidate may have promoted Atiku’s presidential bid under the African Democratic Congress banner.
Balarabe said the party’s rules reserve the power to ratify an expulsion for the national convention. As a result, the previous dismissal action against Bunu has been formally withdrawn, leaving him in good standing within the NDC.
