NDC Borno expels House of Assembly candidate over Atiku campaign materials

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Borno State has expelled Mohammed Bunu, its candidate for the state House of Assembly, saying he was linked to campaign materials for another party's presidential candidate.

A letter dated 25 October 2026 and signed by the state deputy chairman, Umar Fema, said the party had dismissed Bunu from its membership after a disciplinary process. The letter was made public on Sunday.

At the centre of the case were campaign materials carrying the African Democratic Congress (ADC) logo and the slogan “SABON TAFIYA, SABON SALO”, alongside the names and photographs of Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, and Bunu.

Party leaders said the appearance of Bunu's name and picture on the materials raised questions about his loyalty to the NDC.

What the party says happened

According to the letter, the complaint started at Hausari ward and was later passed to the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) party leadership for investigation.

Bunu was invited to answer questions before the ward executive at about 10am on 23 October 2026, the letter said, but he did not attend.

The ward secretary, Rabiu Umar, then recommended disciplinary action and sent the matter to the MMC working committee. Bunu was invited again on 24 October to appear before an investigation committee, the party said, and again did not show up.

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

The MMC party chairman, Adamu Ibrahim, backed the recommendation and passed the case to the state leadership, which then approved the dismissal.

The party also told Bunu to stop presenting himself as acting for the NDC in any capacity affected by the decision.

The letter, however, drew a line between his dismissal from party membership and the separate question of his status as an NDC candidate. It said the two matters would be handled separately under the party's constitution.

Why it matters

Nigeria's political parties are preparing for the 2027 general elections, and disputes over candidates and party loyalty can affect who appears on the ballot in state and national races.

For voters in Borno, the decision could affect who carries the NDC flag in the state House of Assembly contest. It also adds to a growing list of internal party fights over alleged links to rival camps.

Bunu has not publicly responded to the allegations, and the party's letter did not say whether he would challenge the decision.

What happens next: The NDC says its constitution and relevant party organs will guide any further steps, including on Bunu's candidacy. It is not yet clear whether he will appeal or whether the party will move to replace him on the ballot.