The Democratic Leadership Alliance has disowned the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu by its governorship candidate in Taraba State, saying the party did not authorise it.
The party said the candidate had been summoned to appear before the DLA’s Disciplinary Committee.
The Taraba State governorship candidate of the party, Aboki Bayonga, had on Friday, October 16, led a forum of DLA governorship candidates in declaring support for Tinubu’s second-term bid in the 2027 presidential election.
The PUNCH reported that Bayonga said the endorsement did not signify an abandonment of the party, noting that the candidates would remain in the DLA and contest their respective elective positions under its platform.
In a statement on Saturday by its National Chairman and Leader, Samuel Memeh, the party said its national leadership became aware of the reports on Friday, October 16, after they circulated 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.
“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 Democratic Leadership Alliance is a party founded on honour, integrity, discipline, and responsible leadership. We will not sacrifice these fundamental values for personal interests, political expediency, or the actions of any individual, regardless of their position within the party,” the statement said.
Memeh said the appropriate organs had begun comprehensive action to examine the incident, adding that the candidate had been invited to respond to the issues arising from it.
The DLA chairman said the party would ensure due process while safeguarding institutional integrity and authority.
He warned that the party would not tolerate leadership indiscipline, unauthorised political commitments, or any conduct capable of undermining the unity, credibility, and collective interests of the party.
Memeh said, “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.
“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.
“The DLA will not tolerate leadership indiscipline, unauthorised 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 also urged members, supporters and the public not to draw premature conclusions while the disciplinary process is ongoing, adding that the matter would be handled objectively, fairly, and in accordance with the party’s established rules.
He said the DLA was undergoing a deliberate process of repositioning ahead of 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 process involves strengthening the party’s structures from the ward level through local government areas and states to the national level; consolidating its ideology; promoting internal discipline and accountability; and developing institutional mechanisms that will sustain the party’s growth and organisational effectiveness.
“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, organised, and ideologically grounded political platform capable of offering Nigerians a meaningful alternative and practical solutions to the nation’s challenges.
“We recognise that building a sustainable political party requires more than individual ambitions or electoral participation. It requires a shared vision, disciplined membership, strong institutions, responsible leadership, and unwavering commitment to the party’s collective objectives. No individual interest should be allowed to undermine this process.”
He called on party leaders, candidates and members to remain focused on promoting the party’s ideology and strengthening it.
He said, “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 urges its members, supporters, and the general public not to draw premature conclusions regarding the Taraba incident while the disciplinary process is ongoing. The matter will be handled objectively, fairly, and in accordance with the party’s established rules.”