NDC Reverses Dismissal of Borno Candidate After Investigation, Says Allegations Against Him Were Not Proven

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Borno State has reversed its decision to dismiss its House of Assembly candidate, Mohammed Bunu, following an investigation into allegations that he campaigned for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. The development has turned an internal party disciplinary controversy into a fresh test of political loyalty, due process and the authority of party leadership. Apparently, Bunu’s political troubles were not over until the party decided to investigate its own decision.

Reconciliation Committee Finds No Evidence to Establish Allegations

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NDC State Publicity Secretary, Aliyu Balarabe, announced that the dismissal notice against Bunu had been formally withdrawn. He explained that a seven-member reconciliation committee was established on October 25, 2026, to investigate the allegations and give the candidate an opportunity to defend himself. The committee reportedly examined information from Hausari Ward and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council party structures before hearing directly from Bunu.

According to Balarabe, the committee concluded that the allegations had not been established. This means the accusation that Bunu supported Atiku’s presidential campaign through materials associated with the ADC was insufficient to justify his dismissal. In a political environment where accusations of disloyalty can quickly become disciplinary weapons, the investigation has provided an opportunity for the party to reconsider its earlier position.

NDC Withdraws Dismissal Notice and Cites Its Constitution

The controversy began after the NDC issued a dismissal notice dated October 25, accusing Bunu of conduct allegedly inconsistent with the party’s constitution and disciplinary regulations. The issue reportedly centred on campaign materials displaying the ADC logo, the slogan “Sabon Tafiya, Sabon Salo” and photographs and names associated with Atiku Abubakar and Mohammed Bunu.

Balarabe further explained that the NDC constitution reserves the authority to confirm the expulsion of a member to the party’s national convention. That constitutional provision raises an important question about the limits of disciplinary authority within the party. For now, the state chapter has withdrawn its earlier notice and confirmed that Bunu remains a recognised member of the NDC. In other words, the political dismissal has been reversed, and the candidate has regained his place in the party.

The reversal also highlights the importance of following established party procedures before announcing the expulsion of a member. Under the constitutional provision cited by Balarabe, a state-level disciplinary decision cannot automatically become a confirmed expulsion without the required national convention approval. The latest development follows the party’s earlier October 25 announcement, which had raised questions about Bunu’s political allegiance and status within the NDC.

For now, the NDC appears to have closed the disciplinary chapter against Mohammed Bunu, at least on the findings announced by its reconciliation committee. Whether the controversy will have any further political consequences remains to be seen. One thing is clear: in Nigerian politics, a dismissal letter can sometimes have a shorter lifespan than the controversy that produced it. Stay with OGM News NG for further updates on this developing political story.