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 PUNCH 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. Related News Rainbow Coalition will choose Rivers gov candidate for 2027 — Wike Oyo APC slams Makinde over insecurity remarks, demands resignation 2027: Kwankwaso will be partner as VP, not spare tyre – Peter Obi 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 griev