The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Borno State has dismissed Mohammed Bunu, its candidate for a state House of Assembly seat, over alleged involvement in campaign activities associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The decision was communicated in a letter dated October 25, 2026, signed by the NDC state Deputy Chairman, Umar Fema, and addressed to Bunu.

According to the letter, the party considered the alleged conduct inconsistent with its constitution, regulations and disciplinary principles, raising concerns about Bunu’s loyalty and commitment to the party.

The disciplinary action followed the discovery of campaign materials bearing the ADC logo, the slogan “SABON TAFIYA, SABON SALO,” and the photographs and names of Atiku and Bunu, the letter stated.

Fema said the matter originated at the Hausari Ward level before being referred to the party leadership in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) for investigation and further consideration.

The letter described the alleged involvement in another party’s campaign activities as a serious disciplinary matter requiring examination under the NDC’s internal procedures.

According to the account provided by the party, the Hausari Ward Executive invited Bunu to appear before it at 10 am on October 23 to respond to the allegations, but he failed to attend.

“According to the report submitted by the ward leadership, you did not appear to defend yourself,” the letter stated.

Following his reported absence, the ward secretary, Rabiu Umar, recommended disciplinary action and referred the matter to the MMC Working Committee for further consideration.

The party said Bunu was subsequently invited to appear before an investigation committee on October 24 but again failed to attend the proceedings.

After reviewing the committee’s report, MMC Chairman Adamu Ibrahim endorsed the recommendation for dismissal and forwarded it to the state leadership for action in line with the party’s constitution.

Fema said the state chapter subsequently decided to dismiss Bunu based on the allegations and reports submitted through the party’s disciplinary structure, subject to applicable constitutional requirements and the authority of the relevant party organs.

The letter also directed Bunu to comply with the party’s established procedures and refrain from presenting himself as authorised to act on behalf of the NDC in any capacity affected by a valid and effective party decision.

However, the party clarified that any decision affecting Bunu’s status as an NDC candidate should be distinguished from the separate process of terminating or expelling his party membership.

The allegations and the party’s account of the disciplinary proceedings were contained in the letter communicating the decision.

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to support his re-election in 2027, promising continued economic recovery, prosperity and development, as opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised his administration over the rising cost of living and worsening economic hardship.

Tinubu made the appeal on Saturday at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign in Kaduna, where he urged Nigerians to renew his mandate and support the ruling party’s candidates at all levels in the forthcoming general elections.

The President accused opposition parties of exploiting public dissatisfaction over hunger and poverty without offering credible alternatives, insisting that his administration was working to address the country’s economic challenges.

“I hear my opponents talking about hunger and poverty. Who created it? They did. They created hunger. They created poverty. We are trying to eradicate it,” Tinubu said.

He urged Nigerians to support his government’s policies, promising sustained efforts to improve economic conditions, ensure regular payment of salaries and expand opportunities for citizens.

Tinubu also encouraged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in the elections, while commending APC governors for what he described as their development initiatives across the country.

The Kaduna rally brought together APC governors, lawmakers, party leaders and supporters, with speakers expressing confidence that the President would secure another term in office.

North-West leaders pledge support for Tinubu
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani said Northern Nigerians would reward Tinubu with votes in appreciation of the administration’s interventions in the region.

Sani cited road construction, security initiatives, the reopening of schools and primary healthcare centres previously shut because of insecurity, as well as federal support for education and economic empowerment.

He specifically referenced the reconstruction of the Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto road and the Abuja–Kaduna expressway, which he said was about 95 per cent complete.

The governor also highlighted student loans reportedly worth about N250 billion accessed by students in the North-West, alongside support for young people and artisans.

According to him, the region’s support for Tinubu should be based on the administration’s record and the impact of its policies rather than political or regional sentiments.

However, Sani warned APC members against complacency, noting that opposition campaigns had evolved beyond conventional social media platforms and were increasingly employing artificial intelligence.

Senator Abdulaziz Yari, representing Zamfara West and Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, also declared that Northern political stakeholders had resolved to work for Tinubu’s re-election.

Yari praised the administration’s economic policies, including petrol subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms, arguing that the government’s record in infrastructure, healthcare, education and human capital development would form the basis of its campaign.

He maintained that the North would support Tinubu for continuity, peace and national stability, declaring that the region was fully committed to his return in 2027.

Yari also said Northern leaders would not undermine the understanding of power rotation between the North and South.

Former Jigawa State Governor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, who heads Arewa for Asiwaju, similarly praised the turnout at the rally, describing it as evidence of the mobilisation capacity of the pro-Tinubu movement across Northern Nigeria.

Badaru said the organisation had exceeded its initial mobilisation target, adding that the participation of supporters from different parts of the region reflected growing grassroots support for the President’s second-term ambition.

Atiku challenges Tinubu over hunger, poverty
But former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC’s presidential candidate, faulted Tinubu’s claim that opposition parties were responsible for hunger and poverty in Nigeria.

Speaking through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku urged the President to accept responsibility for the country’s economic difficulties rather than blame political opponents.

Atiku argued that the APC had governed Nigeria for more than 11 years, including eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari and more than three years under Tinubu.

He questioned the administration’s handling of petrol subsidy removal, foreign exchange reforms, budget implementation and public expenditure, arguing that Nigerians deserved explanations for the consequences of the government’s economic decisions.

The former vice-president also cited the depreciation of the naira, concerns over poverty levels and questions surrounding public spending, insisting that the administration should account for its performance.

He further raised concerns about insecurity, killings, kidnappings and displacement in several communities, saying the government must address the problems affecting ordinary Nigerians.

Atiku described the 2027 presidential election as a referendum on Tinubu’s performance, maintaining that voters would judge the administration by its record rather than campaign promises.

He also criticised the President’s reported commissioning of the Abuja–Kaduna expressway project, arguing that the government should provide clarity on the project’s completion status.
ADC accuses APC of declining public acceptance

The ADC Presidential Campaign Council also described the Kaduna rally as a disappointment, alleging that the event failed to demonstrate the level of public acceptance claimed by the ruling party.

In a statement, the council’s Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, alleged that the APC mobilised supporters from across the North-West and beyond, with payments reportedly ranging from N50,000 to N100,000 per person, but still failed to fill the stadium.

The allegation was not independently verified in the report.

Ologbondiyan also criticised the reception given to APC leaders at the event and questioned the administration’s claims of achievements, particularly regarding road infrastructure.

He further alleged that some attendees expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling party after leaving the venue, interpreting the Hausa expression “Ba muyi” as a rejection of the APC and its policies.

“You can rent a crowd, but you cannot rent acceptance,” he said, arguing that attendance at political rallies did not necessarily translate into electoral support.

The ADC council accused the APC of repeating promises made during previous election cycles without adequately accounting for its years in power.

It also faulted Tinubu for blaming opposition parties for the country’s economic hardship, insisting that the ruling party should take responsibility for the consequences of its policies.

The council called on the APC to apologise to Nigerians over the prevailing economic difficulties and prepare for a possible change of government in 2027.

Meanwhile, APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru has urged former presiding officers of State Houses of Assembly across the country to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election and publicise the achievements of his administration.

Basiru made the call at a programme organised in Abuja by the Kaduna State chapter of the Former Presiding Officers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria.

Speaking on the theme, “Kaduna 2026: United Voices of Experience, All Together for Tinubu 2027,” the APC national secretary described the former lawmakers as experienced political figures with the grassroots connections and institutional knowledge needed to strengthen the President’s campaign.

He urged them to use their political experience to explain the rationale behind the administration’s economic reforms, counter opposition criticisms and expand support for the ruling party at the grassroots.

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has taken a swipe at the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over its newly unveiled National Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, describing its membership list as being “filled with content creators”.

Bwala made the remarks in a post on X on Sunday, shortly after the opposition party announced the composition of the council.

“Peter Obi and NDC have released their list of campaign council members; and as expected it is filled with content creators,” he wrote.

The presidential aide further alleged that the party deliberately withheld the identities of its media surrogates in mainstream media, accusing some of them of operating under the guise of on-air personalities (OAPs).

“They stylishly refused to name their campaign media surrogates in the mainstream media masquerading as OAP,” Bwala added.

The comments have brought renewed attention to the composition of the NDC’s campaign structure as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The NDC had earlier announced its National Campaign Council, which it said would coordinate campaign activities across the country and mobilise support for its candidates.

Under the arrangement, the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, will serve as chairman, while its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will be co-chairman.

The National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, was named vice-chairman, while the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will serve as co-vice-chairman.

The National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, was appointed council secretary, while Mallam Ibrahim Hussain Abdulkarim will serve as Director-General.

In announcing the council, the party said the structure would provide strategic leadership and drive nationwide mobilisation in support of its vision of building “a new, just, and prosperous Nigeria”.

The NDC also pledged to pursue a people-centred and issue-based campaign, urging its members, supporters and Nigerians to remain united ahead of the elections.

The Enugu State chapter of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has congratulated Dr. SKC Ogbonnia on his appointment as Director of Policy, Research and Documentation of the party’s National Campaign Council, describing it as recognition of his experience, intellectual contributions and commitment to the party.

In a congratulatory statement issued in Enugu on Sunday, the party’s State Secretary, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, said the appointment reflected the confidence reposed in Ogbonnia by the national leadership and his capacity to contribute meaningfully to policy development and the party’s campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ogbonnia, who serves as the NDC leader in Enugu State, was commended for his role in strengthening the party’s structures and promoting its ideals in the state.

Okafor expressed confidence that Ogbonnia’s background in academia and public service, coupled with his understanding of Nigeria’s political environment and international affairs, would bring valuable insight to the work of the National Campaign Council.

He said the appointee’s expertise would help the party develop practical policies and programmes capable of addressing the country’s economic, social and political challenges, while strengthening the campaign message of its presidential candidate, Peter Gregory Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

According to the State Secretary, Ogbonnia’s appointment comes at a critical time when Nigerians are seeking credible political alternatives, practical solutions and leadership that responds to their everyday concerns.

“Dr. SKC Ogbonnia’s appointment comes at a time when Nigerians are looking for credible alternatives, practical solutions and leadership that understands their daily challenges. His background in academia and public service equips him to contribute to evidence-based policies grounded in research and an understanding of the country’s political and socioeconomic realities.

“I believe that his new responsibility will help the NDC communicate its programmes clearly, present workable solutions to existing challenges and demonstrate that our party is prepared to offer Nigerians a credible direction,” Okafor said.

He stressed that the Directorate of Policy, Research and Documentation would be instrumental in ensuring that the party’s campaign commitments were backed by credible research, well-articulated policy proposals and reliable information on national issues.

Okafor maintained that a successful political campaign must go beyond slogans and promises to demonstrate a clear understanding of the problems confronting citizens and provide workable solutions.

“A successful political campaign requires more than slogans and promises. It requires an understanding of the problems confronting the people, research into their causes and practical policies that explain how a government intends to address them.

“Dr. Ogbonnia’s assignment is therefore important to the NDC. His ability to connect intellectual work with Nigeria’s political realities will help shape our campaign direction and enable Nigerians to understand the ideas, programmes and commitments of our candidates,” he added.

The Enugu NDC secretary further noted that the appointment would boost the morale of party members and stakeholders in the state as they continue efforts to build a strong, united and credible political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

He expressed optimism that Ogbonnia’s contributions to the National Campaign Council would strengthen the party’s policy direction and enhance its capacity to present Nigerians with viable alternatives to the country’s prevailing challenges.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has constituted its National Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections, appointing Mallam Ibrahim Hussain Abdulkarim as Director-General.

The party announced the development on its WhatsApp platform, stating that the council would provide strategic leadership, coordinate campaign activities nationwide and mobilise support for its vision of a new, just and prosperous Nigeria.

The NDC National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, will chair the council, while the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will serve as co-chairman.

The National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, was named vice chairman, while the vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will serve as co-vice chairman.

The party also appointed its National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, as secretary of the campaign council.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, will chair the Campaign Advisory Council, with former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu serving as vice chairman.

Other members of the advisory council include Professor Pat Utomi, representing Delta State, and former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa, who will represent Imo State.

In other appointments, retired Major General John Enenche was named Director of Security, while the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, will serve as Director of Communication and Media.

Ikeddi Isiguzo was appointed Deputy Director of Communication and Media, while Constance Ikokwu will serve as campaign spokesperson.

The party urged its members, supporters and other Nigerians who share its vision to remain united and focused as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, describing him as stingy and questioning his capacity to govern Nigeria.

Wike made the remarks during an interactive town hall meeting with stakeholders in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he mocked Obi for carrying his own bags despite having served as governor of Anambra State.

According to the minister, Obi’s decision to carry his personal belongings himself was evidence of what he described as stinginess.

“As a former governor, you cannot be stingy not to have employed a personal assistant who will carry your bag. You want to show you carry your bag. We don’t want such a stingy person as a president,” Wike said.

He also dismissed Obi’s popularity on social media as insufficient preparation for the presidency, arguing that online influence did not necessarily translate into the experience and capacity required to govern a country as complex as Nigeria.

“Truly speaking, I gave him president of social media. If you were to vote who will be president of social media, I will vote for him. But if it is to govern Nigeria, it is capital no!” he stated.

The FCT minister further questioned Obi’s record as Anambra governor, urging Nigerians to assess his administration against the performance of the state’s incumbent governor, Chukwuma Soludo.

Wike also criticised politicians who defect to other parties amid internal disputes, insisting that leadership requires the ability to confront challenges rather than abandon an organisation when difficulties arise.

Citing his experience in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he said he remained in the party during its internal crisis and fought his political battles instead of leaving.

“How will you solve the problem of the country? Did you see when there was a problem in PDP? Did I run? I defeated them,” he said.

Wike also expressed reservations about the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and questioned the reliability of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whom he said he had known since their days in the PDP.

He reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that he would back the ruling party in the 2027 presidential election.

Turning to the performance of previous administrations in Rivers State, Wike urged voters to scrutinise the records of political office seekers rather than rely solely on campaign promises.

He alleged that $39 million was spent on a proposed 1,000-bed Justice Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital without the project progressing to the foundation stage.

“Thirty-nine million US dollars, 53 billion naira, gone! As I speak to you, there is no foundation, no one block laid,” he claimed.

The minister also alleged that approximately N60 billion was spent on the state’s monorail project, questioning its functionality and the benefits it had delivered to residents.

On the sale of a gas turbine, Wike claimed that the transaction involved $308 million, but only $308,000 remained in the relevant state account when he assumed office in May 2015.

He further recalled a proposal to spend $10 million on fumigating Rivers State to tackle mosquitoes, questioning the rationale behind the plan in a state sharing boundaries with several others.

Meanwhile, Wike announced that the Rainbow Coalition would unveil its candidates on Tuesday, October 27, ahead of the 2027 elections.

He disclosed that the coalition had chosen Kingsley Chinda as its preferred candidate for the Rivers State governorship election, adding that some of its candidates would contest on the APC platform despite the coalition drawing members from different political parties.

“Under the Rainbow Coalition in our state today, you see APC, PDP, all of us. No more Rivers of blood, no more shooting, not many people going to die,” he said.

The minister urged residents to support candidates he described as experienced and committed to public service, assuring them that concerns raised during the town hall meeting would receive attention.

He also commended the completion of the Bonny-Bodo Road, describing it as a significant achievement that had improved transportation and eased the difficulties previously faced by residents travelling to and from the island community by boat.

Wike said he had informed President Tinubu of the road’s importance to Bonny residents, describing the project as a major benefit to the area.