DLA refunds N10.8m nomination fee to ex-presidential aspirant

The Democratic Leadership Alliance has refunded N10.8 million of the N12 million presidential nomination fee paid by Abisayo Busari-Akinnadeju, a former aspirant for the 2027 general election. Busari-Akinnadeju disclosed the partial refund on Friday, stating it followed her withdrawal from the party on May 28.

“

I want to say that the Democratic Leadership Alliance has refunded the presidential nomination fee I paid in April 2026, in respect of my aspiration for the Office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2027 general election.

She cited the party leadership's imposition of a consensus presidential candidate as the reason for her resignation, alleging it violated the Electoral Act. Busari-Akinnadeju acknowledged receiving the N10.8 million but noted that N1.2 million remains outstanding. She expressed gratitude that the party is addressing the matter but emphasized the refund does not rectify the issues she raised.

“

I resigned from the DLA on May 28 because of the imposition of a consensus candidate by means that did not comply with the Electoral Act 2026 and the use of a disciplinary process to remove me as a cleared aspirant when I could not endorse consensus mode.

"The return of the money does not restore the integrity of the process. It is an acknowledgement that the original collection was indefensible," Busari-Akinnadeju stated. She further alleged attempts to prevent her screening and a disciplinary action to remove her after she refused to endorse the consensus mode. The former aspirant stressed that the Electoral Act 2026 requires written consent from all cleared aspirants for a consensus candidate.

“

I acknowledge receipt of N10.8 million of the Presidential nomination fee I paid in April 2026. I note that a further N1.2 million remains outstanding. I am grateful that the party has chosen to do the right thing in this respect.

Busari-Akinnadeju's concerns extend beyond recovering her money, advocating for fair participation guarantees for aspiring politicians. She thanked Nigerians who supported her stance, suggesting public attention contributed to the party's decision to issue the refund.

“

It is important, however, that the meaning of this refund is not misunderstood. The return of the money does not restore the integrity of the process. It is an acknowledgement that the original collection was indefensible.