Political Firestorm: DLA Rejects Taraba Candidate's Tinubu Endorsement

The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has publicly disowned the reported endorsement of President Bola Tinubu by its governorship candidate in Taraba State, unequivocally describing the move as unauthorized. The party’s national leadership confirmed its complete unawareness of the endorsement until Friday, October 16, 2026, when reports of the development began to circulate widely across social media platforms, prompting immediate internal review.

In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, Samuel Memeh, the DLA's national chairman and leader, unequivocally stated that the party had not granted any authorization for the endorsement of a political candidate outside its own established platform. Memeh announced that the DLA has promptly initiated comprehensive disciplinary proceedings to thoroughly investigate the incident. As a crucial first step in this process, the Taraba governorship candidate has been formally summoned to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee to provide a detailed explanation of his actions and decisions.

Chairman Memeh emphasized the DLA's unwavering commitment to its foundational constitution, core ideology, political principles, and the collective decisions made by its leadership. He issued a stern warning that no individual interests or ambitions would be permitted to supersede or undermine the party’s established rules and procedures. Memeh reiterated that the DLA views any conduct that contravenes its constitution, directives, or duly established decisions as an extremely serious matter requiring immediate and decisive attention.

He further elaborated on the potential consequences of the investigation, stating that if the inquiry conclusively establishes a breach of the party’s constitution or rules, appropriate disciplinary sanctions will be imposed strictly in accordance with the DLA Constitution and its established procedures. Despite the gravity of the situation, the chairman assured all party members that the disciplinary process would strictly adhere to due process, with the paramount aim of safeguarding the DLA's institutional integrity and authority. He also warned against any form of indiscipline among party leaders and candidates, stressing that unauthorized political commitments or actions capable of undermining the party's unity, credibility, and collective interests would not be tolerated.

In light of the ongoing investigation, the DLA has urged its members, supporters, and the general public to refrain from drawing premature conclusions regarding the Taraba incident. Memeh affirmed that the matter would be handled objectively and fairly, ensuring full compliance with the party’s established rules and a commitment to justice.

This internal challenge comes at a critical juncture for the DLA, as the party is actively engaged in a comprehensive repositioning strategy in preparation for the upcoming 2027 general elections. This strategic overhaul includes robust plans to strengthen its organizational structures, from the foundational ward level, extending through local government areas and states, all the way to the national leadership. The repositioning initiative also encompasses the consolidation of the party’s ideology, the promotion of stringent internal discipline and accountability across all ranks, and the establishment of robust mechanisms designed to significantly enhance its overall organizational effectiveness.

Memeh articulated the DLA's ambition to cultivate a credible political platform built upon pillars of ethical leadership, unwavering justice, transparent accountability, dedicated leadership development, and a forward-thinking, science- and technology-driven economic agenda. He declared the DLA’s intention to present itself to the Nigerian populace as a viable alternative political force, capable of providing practical, innovative solutions to the multifaceted challenges currently confronting the nation. To achieve these ambitious goals, the chairman issued a compelling call to all party leaders, candidates, members, and supporters to remain steadfastly committed to the DLA’s core principles, to actively participate in strengthening its structures, and to diligently prepare for the pivotal 2027 elections. He firmly maintained that no individual ambition, regardless of its nature, should ever be permitted to undermine the party’s collective objectives or its earnest efforts to forge a disciplined, ideologically grounded, and cohesive political institution.