DLA: Aboki Bayonga Faces Disciplinary Committee Over Tinubu Endorsement

• The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has disowned its Taraba State governorship candidate, Aboki Bayonga, for endorsing President Bola Tinubu.
• Bayonga's endorsement of President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election was not authorized by the DLA leadership.
• DLA National Chairman, Samuel Memeh, confirmed that Bayonga has been summoned to appear before the party's Disciplinary Committee.
• The party emphasizes its commitment to its constitution and will not tolerate unauthorized political commitments that undermine its principles.
• Disciplinary sanctions will be imposed strictly according to the DLA Constitution if a breach of party rules is established.

The party views any action that contravenes its constitution, directives, or duly established decisions with the utmost seriousness.

The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has publicly distanced itself from its governorship candidate for Taraba State, Aboki Bayonga, following his endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. The party explicitly stated that this declaration of support was not sanctioned by its leadership and has consequently issued a summons for Bayonga to appear before its Disciplinary Committee. This swift action underscores the DLA's commitment to internal party discipline and its constitutional directives regarding political endorsements.

Bayonga, who on Friday, October 16, 2026, led a group of DLA governorship candidates in declaring their backing for President Tinubu, maintained that his actions did not signify an abandonment of the Democratic Leadership Alliance. He asserted that the candidates involved intended to remain within the DLA and would still seek their respective elective offices under the party's banner. Despite this clarification, the DLA's national leadership has made it clear that any political commitments made outside the party's official authorization are unacceptable and will be met with serious internal review.

The DLA's National Chairman and Leader, Samuel Memeh, issued a statement on Saturday, October 17, 2026, confirming that the party's national leadership became aware of Bayonga's endorsement on Friday, October 16, 2026, through reports circulating on social media platforms. Memeh unequivocally stated that the Democratic Leadership Alliance had not granted permission for any political candidate to endorse another outside its own framework. This firm declaration highlights the party's adherence to its established internal processes and its commitment to maintaining a unified political front.

Memeh's statement further emphasized that the DLA is steadfast in upholding its constitution, core ideology, political principles, and collective decisions, all of which are designed to serve the aspirations of Nigerians aligned with its vision. The party, he noted, was founded on principles of honor, integrity, discipline, and responsible leadership. He stressed that these fundamental values would not be compromised for individual interests, political expediency, or the actions of any single member, regardless of their position within the party structure, thereby reinforcing the importance of avoiding a DLA constitution breach.

In response to the incident, the DLA has confirmed that its appropriate internal organs have initiated a comprehensive examination of the matter. Aboki Bayonga has been formally invited to appear before the party's Disciplinary Committee to address the issues stemming from his unauthorized endorsement. The party has pledged to ensure that due process is meticulously followed throughout this investigation, while simultaneously safeguarding its institutional integrity and authority. This approach demonstrates a commitment to fairness alongside a resolve to uphold party rules.

The DLA leadership, through Memeh, issued a stern warning that Nigerian political party discipline would be strictly enforced, stating that the party would not tolerate leadership indiscipline, unauthorized political commitments, or any conduct perceived to undermine the unity, credibility, and collective interests of the organization. The party views any action that contravenes its constitution, directives, or duly established decisions with the utmost seriousness. Should the investigation confirm a DLA constitution breach or violation of party rules, appropriate disciplinary sanctions will be imposed strictly in accordance with the DLA Constitution and its established procedures, serving as a clear message to all members regarding Aboki Bayonga party discipline and future conduct.

Lawyers advising political parties or candidates should note the strict enforcement of party constitutions and directives regarding unauthorized endorsements or political commitments. This case highlights the importance of internal compliance and the potential for disciplinary action against members whose actions are perceived to undermine party unity or principles, necessitating careful review of internal governance documents.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH