DLA defends disqualifying presidential aspirant, insists process was fair

The Democratic Leadership Alliance has dismissed allegations by former presidential aspirant, Abisayo Modupe, that she was unfairly excluded from the party’s presidential screening process, insisting that her disqualification followed established procedures and guidelines.

The PidomNigeria had reported that the party last week picked Barrister Samuel Memeh as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The DLA, in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Judith Aguenu, faulted Modupe’s claims, describing them as “false and misleading.”

According to the statement, Modupe’s exclusion was informed by a screening exercise duly conducted in compliance with the party’s constitution.

The party said, contrary to Modupe’s argument, she was not the only aspirant who vied for the DLA’s sole presidential ticket.

“Three other aspirants duly purchased nomination forms, participated in the screening exercise, and were assessed in accordance with the Constitution and guidelines of the party. Those who met the prescribed requirements were cleared to proceed,” the statement said.

The party noted that Modupe also took part in the screening exercise but failed to secure clearance from the relevant party organs.

“Abisayo Modupe also participated in the screening process but was not cleared by the appropriate organs of the party based on the outcome of the screening exercise,” Aguenu stated.

The DLA further noted that no other aspirant had questioned the credibility of the nomination and screening exercise, accusing Modupe of bypassing internal dispute resolution channels in favour of public accusations.

“It is noteworthy that no other aspirant at any level of the party has raised complaints regarding the transparency or fairness of the nomination and screening exercises.

“Rather than utilising available internal mechanisms to challenge her disqualification, Abisayo Modupe has chosen to make allegations against the party through social media,” the statement added.

The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of internal party democracy within Nigeria’s political landscape, where disputes arising from primary elections, candidate selection and party leadership contests have frequently ended up in courts or generated public controversy.

Against this backdrop, the DLA said it would not allow what it described as personal grievances to tarnish the party’s image or weaken its institutional processes.

“The Democratic Leadership Alliance is an institution built on discipline, due process, accountability, and respect for constituted authority. We will not allow personal disappointment or individual ambition to undermine the integrity of our internal democratic processes,” the party said.

The party also cautioned political organisations against admitting individuals it believes may prioritise personal ambitions over party cohesion.

“This unfortunate development should serve as a lesson to political parties on the need for thorough screening and continuous vigilance against individuals who seek to use political platforms for personal objectives while showing little regard for party discipline, institutional processes, and collective interests,” the statement read.

The DLA argued that leadership positions require more than political ambition, stressing that aspirants seeking elective office must demonstrate the capacity to respect institutional procedures.

“Political leadership is not merely about occupying an office or obtaining a party ticket. It requires character, maturity, competence, responsibility, and a demonstrated commitment to service. Those who aspire to the highest offices in the land must also demonstrate respect for due process and the institutions through which leadership mandates are acquired.”

Responding to suggestions that Modupe’s exclusion may have been influenced by gender considerations, the party rejected the allegation, describing itself as a strong advocate of women’s political participation.

“We also reject any attempt to portray this matter as one of gender discrimination. The DLA remains one of the strongest advocates for women’s participation and leadership in politics, with women occupying strategic positions within the party.”

The party urged members of the public to disregard what it termed “misleading narratives” surrounding the controversy, while reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and broader political objectives.

“The public is therefore advised to disregard the misleading narratives being circulated. The party remains united, focused, and committed to providing credible leadership alternatives for Nigeria,” the statement concluded.