The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has rejected the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election by its Taraba State governorship candidate, Aboki Bayonga, saying the move was neither authorised nor approved by the party.

The party said Bayonga had been summoned before its Disciplinary Committee to explain his involvement in the endorsement, warning that appropriate sanctions could follow if he is found to have breached the party’s constitution or directives.

Bayonga had on Friday, October 16, led a forum of DLA governorship candidates in declaring support for Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office.

While announcing their support, Bayonga reportedly maintained that the decision did not amount to abandoning the DLA, insisting that the candidates would remain members of the party and contest the 2027 governorship elections under its platform.

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

Memeh said the DLA had not authorised any of its members or candidates to endorse a presidential candidate outside the party’s platform.

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to its constitution, ideology and internal decisions, stressing that individual political interests would not be allowed to override the collective position of the organisation.

According to him, the party’s relevant organs have commenced an investigation into the incident, while Bayonga has been directed to appear before the Disciplinary Committee and respond to the issues arising from the endorsement.

Memeh said the party would follow due process in handling the matter and would impose appropriate disciplinary measures if an investigation establishes that the candidate violated the DLA’s constitution or rules.

He warned that the party would not tolerate indiscipline, unauthorised political commitments or actions capable of weakening its unity and credibility.

The DLA chairman also appealed to party members, supporters and the public to refrain from reaching conclusions about the Taraba incident until the disciplinary process is completed.

Memeh said the party was currently repositioning its structures ahead of the 2027 general elections, including strengthening its presence from the ward level to the national level and improving internal accountability and discipline.

He said the DLA was working towards establishing itself as a credible alternative political platform anchored on ideological clarity, ethical leadership, justice and accountability, as well as a science- and technology-driven economy.

According to him, building a sustainable political organisation requires more than individual ambitions or participation in elections, noting that members must share a common vision and respect the party’s institutional structures.

He urged DLA leaders, candidates, members and supporters to remain focused on expanding the party’s structures, promoting its ideology and preparing for the 2027 elections.

Memeh reiterated that the Taraba matter would be handled fairly and objectively in accordance with the party’s established procedures.