A former presidential aspirant of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Mrs. Abisayo Busari-Akinnadeju, has confirmed receiving a partial refund of ₦10.8 million out of the ₦12 million presidential nomination fee she paid for the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Busari-Akinnadeju made the disclosure in a statement issued on Friday in Akure, Ondo State, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). She noted that while the refund has been made, a balance of ₦1.2 million is still outstanding.
According to her, the payment relates to her initial participation in the party’s presidential race, which she entered in April 2026. She confirmed that the Democratic Leadership Alliance had returned part of the nomination fee following her resignation from the party on May 28.
She explained that her exit from the DLA was triggered by what she described as irregularities in the party’s internal electoral process, particularly the adoption of a “consensus candidate” arrangement which she claimed did not comply with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
“I resigned from the DLA because of the imposition of a consensus candidate through processes that did not follow due procedure, and the use of disciplinary action to remove me as a cleared aspirant after I refused to support the arrangement,” she stated.
Busari-Akinnadeju also alleged that attempts were made to prevent her from participating fully in the screening and primary process, including what she described as a disciplinary action convened on short notice.
She further claimed that state party officials were instructed not to attend the presidential primary at the national secretariat but to instead submit results remotely, a move she argued was intended to facilitate the emergence of a predetermined candidate.
“The Electoral Act does not permit consensus without the written consent of all cleared aspirants,” she said, insisting that her removal from the race was part of efforts to bypass statutory requirements.
While acknowledging the refund, she maintained that the issue goes beyond personal finances, arguing that it raises broader concerns about internal democracy and fairness within political parties.
“The refund does not restore the integrity of the process. It only confirms that the initial collection was questionable. The deeper issue remains unresolved,” she added.
She further noted that her experience should serve as a warning about the treatment of aspirants within party structures, particularly those without strong influence or political backing.
Busari-Akinnadeju also expressed appreciation to supporters who amplified her concerns, saying public attention played a key role in ensuring the partial refund.
Meanwhile, she announced that she has now adopted a non-partisan stance and launched the “Dare Agenda Movement,” which she described as a civic platform aimed at promoting accountable leadership and citizen participation in governance.
She added that the initiative is intended to mobilize Nigerians beyond electoral cycles, stressing that “the country cannot wait until 2027” for meaningful leadership reforms.
