The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has summoned its Taraba State governorship candidate, Aboki Bayonga, before its Disciplinary Committee over his reported endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The party warned that Bayonga could face sanctions if found to have breached the party’s constitution.

Bayonga had on Friday, October 16, led a forum of about 15 DLA governorship candidates in declaring support for Tinubu’s second-term bid in the 2027 presidential election.

The candidates reportedly said their endorsement followed consultations and an assessment of the available presidential contenders, adding that the DLA would not field a presidential candidate in the 2027 election.

Bayonga cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), agricultural support initiatives and road construction projects as reasons for supporting Tinubu, arguing that the administration needed another four years to consolidate its programmes.

The candidates, however, ruled out defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that their support for Tinubu was limited to the presidential election.

But in a statement issued on Saturday, the DLA’s National Chairman and Leader, Samuel Memeh, said the party became aware of reports about the purported endorsement through social media.

“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,” Memeh said.

He said the party was founded on honour, integrity, discipline and responsible leadership, adding that it would not sacrifice these values for personal interests, political expediency or the actions of any individual, irrespective of their position.

Memeh said the party’s relevant organs had commenced a comprehensive examination of the incident, while Bayonga had been invited to appear before its Disciplinary Committee to respond to the issues arising from the reported endorsement.

“The party views any conduct that contravenes its constitution, directives, or duly established decisions with utmost seriousness,” he said.

He added that if the investigation established a breach of the party’s constitution or rules, appropriate disciplinary sanctions would be imposed in line with its established procedures.

“The party will ensure that due process is observed while safeguarding its institutional integrity and authority,” Memeh said.

He warned that the DLA would not tolerate leadership indiscipline, unauthorised political commitments or any conduct capable of undermining the party’s unity, credibility and collective interests.

According to him, every member and candidate is expected to demonstrate commitment to the party’s principles and respect its constituted authorities.

The party urged its members, supporters and the public not to draw premature conclusions about the Taraba incident while the disciplinary process was ongoing, assuring that the matter would be handled objectively, fairly and in accordance with its established rules.