DLA rejects Taraba candidate's Tinubu backing, calls for discipline

The Democratic Leadership Alliance has rejected the support shown for President Bola Tinubu by its governorship candidate in Taraba State. The party said it did not approve this endorsement.

The party announced that the candidate would appear before the DLA’s Disciplinary Committee.

Aboki Bayonga, the Taraba State governorship candidate for the party, gathered fellow DLA candidates on Friday, October 16. They declared their support for Tinubu’s second term in the 2027 presidential election.

The PUNCH reported that Bayonga claimed this endorsement does not mean he is leaving the party. He mentioned that the candidates will continue in the DLA and run for their elective positions using its platform.

In a statement on Saturday from its National Chairman and Leader, Samuel Memeh, the party said its national leadership found out about the situation on Friday, October 16, after it spread on social media.

"The attention of the National Leadership of the Democratic Leadership Alliance was drawn on Friday, 16 October 2026, to reports circulating on social media concerning the purported endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the DLA governorship candidate in Taraba State."

The party added, "For the avoidance of doubt, the DLA wishes to state categorically that the party has not authorised any endorsement of a political candidate outside its platform. The party remains committed to its constitution, ideology, political principles, collective decisions, and the aspirations of Nigerians who identify with its vision."

The DLA is a party that stands for honour, integrity, discipline, and responsible leadership. They said they will not compromise these values for personal gain or the actions of any member, no matter their position.

Memeh explained that the right bodies have started looking into the matter. He said the candidate has been asked to answer questions about this issue.

The DLA chairman added that the party will follow proper procedures to keep its integrity and authority intact.

He warned that the party will not accept any leadership indiscipline, unauthorized political promises, or behavior that could harm the unity and credibility of the party.

Memeh stated, "The party views any conduct that contravenes its constitution, directives, or duly established decisions with utmost seriousness. Accordingly, the appropriate organs of the party have commenced comprehensive action to examine the reported incident, and the individual concerned has been invited to appear before the party’s Disciplinary Committee to respond to the issues arising from the matter."

He continued, "Where the investigation establishes a breach of the party’s constitution or rules, appropriate disciplinary sanctions shall be imposed strictly in accordance with the DLA Constitution and established procedures. The party will ensure that due process is observed while safeguarding its institutional integrity and authority."

Memeh said, "The DLA will not tolerate leadership indiscipline, unauthorized political commitments, or any conduct capable of undermining the unity, credibility, and collective interests of the party. Every member and candidate is expected to demonstrate commitment to the party’s principles and respect for its constituted authorities."

The party advised its members, supporters, and the public not to jump to conclusions while the disciplinary process is ongoing. They promised that the matter would be handled fairly and according to the party’s rules.

Memeh pointed out that the DLA is currently working on reorganizing itself before the 2027 general elections.

"The National Leadership wishes to emphasise that the DLA is currently undergoing a deliberate process of repositioning in preparation for the political responsibilities and challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections."

This effort includes strengthening the party’s structures from the ward level to the national level, solidifying its ideology, encouraging internal discipline, and creating mechanisms for growth and effectiveness.

Memeh added, "The DLA is committed to building a political institution founded on clearly defined principles, ethical leadership, leadership development, justice, accountability, and a science- and technology-driven economy. Our objective is to establish a credible, organized, and ideologically grounded political platform capable of offering Nigerians a meaningful alternative and practical solutions to the nation’s challenges."

He acknowledged that creating a lasting political party requires more than personal ambitions. It needs a shared vision, disciplined members, strong institutions, responsible leadership, and a commitment to the party’s goals.

Memeh urged party leaders, candidates, and members to stay focused on promoting the party’s ideology and strengthening it.

He concluded, "We therefore call on all party leaders, candidates, members, and supporters to remain focused on strengthening the DLA, promoting its ideology, expanding its structures, and preparing responsibly for the 2027 general elections."

The party also asked its members and the public not to jump to conclusions about the Taraba incident while the disciplinary process is ongoing. They assured that the matter would be dealt with fairly according to established rules.