The 2027 presidential race has sparked a fresh internal dispute within the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) after the party summoned its Taraba State governorship candidate, Aboki Bayonga, over his role in endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

The party’s National Chairman and Leader, Samuel Memeh, said Bayonga had been invited to appear before its Disciplinary Committee to explain his involvement in the endorsement. The DLA warned that sanctions could follow if an investigation establishes a breach of its constitution or rules.

The controversy followed an announcement on Friday, October 16, by a forum of about 15 DLA governorship candidates declaring support for Tinubu’s re-election bid. Bayonga led the group, which said it would mobilise grassroots support for the President ahead of the 2027 election.

Explaining the decision, Bayonga cited government initiatives in education, agriculture and road infrastructure, arguing that the administration needed another four years to consolidate its programmes. The candidates also said their endorsement was limited to the presidential election and did not mean they would defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, Memeh said the party’s national leadership became aware of the endorsement through reports circulating on social media. He maintained that the DLA had not authorised an endorsement of a presidential candidate outside its platform and insisted that members must respect the party’s constitution, principles and established decisions.

The party said its relevant organs had begun examining the circumstances surrounding the endorsement. It also cautioned members and the public against drawing premature conclusions, promising that the matter would be handled fairly and in accordance with its disciplinary procedures.

Bayonga’s appearance before the committee is expected to provide an opportunity for him to respond to the concerns raised by the party leadership. Until the process is concluded, no final determination has been announced on whether his actions violated party rules or what consequences, if any, he may face.