Presidential aspirant of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Mrs Abisayo Busari-Akinnadeju, has formally resigned her membership of the party and demanded a refund of her nomination fee. She cited concerns over the credibility of the party's primary process as the reason for her decision.
Resignation Over Consensus Candidate Dispute
In a strongly worded resignation letter addressed to the party's National Chairman, Busari-Akinnadeju criticized the party's adoption of a consensus arrangement, arguing that it undermined internal democracy and discouraged fair competition among aspirants. She emphasized that her withdrawal was not an admission of defeat but a rejection of what she termed an unfair political process.
“I do not resign in defeat. I resign because I am not permitted a fair contest, and I will not lend my name to a process that has abandoned its own rules,” she stated.
Demands for Refund and Document Return
The former aspirant requested a refund of the presidential nomination fee she paid, stating that the party failed to provide the fair electoral process that justified the payment. She also demanded the return of all personal documents submitted during her engagement with the party.
“I therefore respectfully request the following: written confirmation of receipt of this resignation; a refund of the presidential nomination fee I paid, the consideration for which, a fair and lawful primary, the party has not provided,” she wrote.
Gratitude to Supporters
Despite her exit, Busari-Akinnadeju expressed appreciation to party members who supported her ambition, noting that they were not responsible for her decision to leave. She said grassroots supporters deserved better treatment from party leadership and reaffirmed her respect for their commitment.
“I record my gratitude to members of the party across the country who gave their time and hope to the work we shared,” she said.
Presidential Ambition Continues Under New Platform
The Ondo State-born politician stressed that her resignation would not affect her broader presidential ambition. She remains committed to her 'Dare Nigeria' movement and said her experience within the party had only strengthened her resolve to pursue political reform and better leadership for Nigerians.
“My commitment to the 2027 presidential race and the Dare Agenda… is undimmed and is, in fact, strengthened by what I have witnessed,” she said.
Concerns Over Internal Party Democracy
Busari-Akinnadeju also criticized the party's internal processes, arguing that its handling of primaries raises questions about its capacity to govern effectively. She added, “A party that cannot conduct a fair primary among its own aspirants cannot credibly promise a fair country to its citizens.”
