NDC Borno: Mohammed Bunu Dismissal Over Anti-Party Activities

• The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Borno State dismissed its State House of Assembly candidate, Mohammed Bunu.
• Bunu was dismissed for allegedly campaigning for Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
• The dismissal letter, dated October 25, 2026, cited Bunu's conduct as inconsistent with the NDC's constitution and principles.
• Evidence included campaign materials featuring the ADC logo, slogan, and photos of both Atiku Abubakar and Mohammed Bunu.
• Bunu failed to appear at two separate disciplinary hearings before the Hausari Ward Executive and an investigation committee.

This incident highlights the rigorous enforcement of anti-party activity rules within Nigerian political organizations, serving as a significant precedent for candidates and party members alike.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Borno State has taken decisive action against one of its candidates, Mohammed Bunu, leading to his dismissal from the party. Bunu, who was slated to contest a seat in the Borno State House of Assembly under the NDC banner, faced allegations of engaging in activities contrary to the party's interests. Specifically, he was accused of campaigning for Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

This disciplinary measure was formally communicated to Bunu via a letter dated October 25, 2026. The correspondence, signed by Umar Fema, the NDC state deputy chairman, explicitly stated that Bunu's conduct was deemed inconsistent with the party's foundational constitution, its established rules and regulations, and its principles of discipline. The core evidence cited in the letter involved campaign materials that prominently featured the logo of the African Democratic Congress, the slogan "SABON TAFIYA, SABON SALO," and the images and names of both Atiku Abubakar and Mohammed Bunu.

The formal disciplinary proceedings against Mohammed Bunu commenced at the local Hausari ward level, indicating a grassroots initiation of the complaint. Bunu was first invited to appear before the Hausari Ward Executive on October 23, 2026, around 10 am, to address the allegations concerning his involvement in campaign activities for a rival political party. However, Bunu reportedly failed to attend this initial hearing to present his defense.

Following his non-appearance, the ward secretary, Rabiu Umar, recommended that disciplinary action be pursued and subsequently referred the matter to the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) Working Committee for further consideration. The process continued with a second invitation extended to Bunu on October 24, requesting his presence before an investigation committee. Again, according to the party's records, Bunu did not attend these proceedings. After reviewing the committee's findings, the MMC party chairman, Adamu Ibrahim, endorsed the recommendation for dismissal and escalated the case to the state leadership for final action, in line with the party's constitutional provisions.

The NDC's decision to dismiss Mohammed Bunu underscores the strict adherence expected from its members, particularly those seeking elective office. The party's leadership expressed significant concern that the presence of Bunu's name and photograph on campaign materials for another party raised serious questions regarding his political association, allegiance, loyalty, and commitment to the NDC's core principles and interests. This was viewed as a grave disciplinary matter, necessitating a thorough examination under the party's constitution and established internal procedures.

The final determination by the NDC to dismiss Bunu from the party was based on the comprehensive allegations reviewed and the reports submitted through its multi-tiered disciplinary structure. This action is subject to the applicable constitutional requirements of the party and the authority vested in its relevant organs. As a direct consequence of this decision, Bunu has been explicitly instructed to respect the party's established protocols and is prohibited from representing himself as authorized to act on behalf of the NDC in any capacity affected by this valid and effective party decision.

This incident highlights the rigorous enforcement of anti-party activity rules within Nigerian political organizations, serving as a significant precedent for candidates and party members alike. The swift and structured disciplinary action taken by the NDC in Borno State against Mohammed Bunu demonstrates a clear intolerance for perceived disloyalty or divided allegiances, especially when evidenced by tangible campaign materials. For political parties, maintaining internal cohesion and ensuring that all candidates are unequivocally aligned with the party's objectives is paramount, particularly during election cycles.

The case also emphasizes the importance of participating in disciplinary processes. Bunu's repeated failure to appear before the ward executive and the subsequent investigation committee likely contributed to the swift progression and finality of the dismissal. This scenario offers a crucial lesson for individuals involved in political contests: understanding and adhering to party constitutions is not merely a formality but a critical requirement to avoid severe penalties, including the loss of candidacy and party membership. It reinforces the notion that political parties in Nigeria are prepared to take stringent measures to protect their brand and electoral integrity.

Lawyers advising political parties or candidates in Nigeria should note this case as an example of stringent enforcement of anti-party activity rules, underscoring the critical need for clear allegiance and adherence to party constitutions to avoid disciplinary action, including dismissal, and potential disqualification from electoral contests.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH