Former presidential aspirant of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Mrs. Abisayo Busari-Akinnadeju, has confirmed receiving a ₦10.8 million refund from the party after withdrawing from the 2027 presidential race. The payment, part of the nomination fee she paid in April 2026, was returned following her resignation from the party on May 28, 2024, due to disputes over the candidate selection process. While she acknowledged the refund, she noted that ₦1.2 million remains outstanding, raising questions about the party’s full compliance with financial obligations to aspirants.
Busari-Akinnadeju stated that the refund, while appreciated, does not resolve deeper concerns about the integrity of the DLA’s presidential primary process. She alleged that party leadership attempted to block her participation in the screening exercise and later used disciplinary measures to remove her from the race after she refused to endorse a consensus candidate. According to her, the process lacked transparency and fairness, undermining democratic principles within the party.
She emphasized that the Electoral Act mandates the consent of all cleared aspirants before a consensus candidate can be declared. She argued that this requirement was not met in her case, as state chairmen were instructed to bypass the primary and submit figures directly to the national secretariat. This, she claimed, was a deliberate effort to pre-determine the outcome and exclude genuine competition.
Busari-Akinnadeju stressed that the issue transcends financial reimbursement and highlights systemic challenges in Nigeria’s political party structures. She called for stronger safeguards to protect aspiring candidates, regardless of their financial strength or political influence. “My concern is no longer limited to the money,” she said. “It is about ensuring that future aspirants are protected from similar experiences and that political participation remains fair and accessible to all Nigerians.”
She expressed gratitude to supporters, civil society organizations, and the public for their attention and scrutiny, which she believes contributed to the refund being processed. Having stepped away from partisan politics, Busari-Akinnadeju announced her focus on the Dare Agenda Movement, a platform dedicated to promoting purposeful leadership and citizen-driven governance. The movement aims to mobilize Nigerians toward active participation in nation-building beyond electoral cycles.
“The work of building a better Nigeria cannot wait until 2027,” she added. “The Dare Agenda is already in motion, and we remain committed to pursuing leadership accountability and national development.” Her exit from the DLA and shift to civic engagement signal a growing trend among Nigerian leaders to advocate for reform outside traditional party structures.
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