ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- 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 constitutional guidelines.
The party’s response follows claims by Modupe that she was unjustly denied the opportunity to contest for the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Last week, the DLA elected Samuel Memeh as its presidential candidate.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Judith Aguenu, described Modupe’s allegations as false and misleading, maintaining that her exclusion was based on the outcome of a screening exercise conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution.
According to the party, Modupe was not the only aspirant who sought the DLA’s sole presidential ticket. It stated that three other aspirants purchased nomination forms, participated in the screening process and were assessed under the party’s constitutional provisions and electoral guidelines.
“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.
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The party explained that although Modupe participated in the screening exercise, she was not cleared by the relevant party organs after the assessment process.
“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 none of the other aspirants had questioned the credibility or transparency of the screening process, accusing Modupe of taking her grievances to social media instead of utilising the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
“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 controversy comes amid growing scrutiny of internal party democracy across Nigeria’s political landscape, where disputes over primaries, candidate selection and leadership contests frequently generate public debate and legal challenges.
Against this backdrop, the DLA said it would not allow personal grievances to undermine its institutional integrity or weaken its democratic 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 warned political organisations to be vigilant when admitting individuals whose personal ambitions may conflict with party discipline and collective interests.
“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 stressed that political leadership requires more than ambition, arguing that aspirants seeking public office must demonstrate character, competence, responsibility and respect for established 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,” the party stated.
Responding to suggestions that Modupe’s exclusion may have been influenced by gender considerations, the DLA strongly rejected the claim, pointing to its record of promoting women into leadership positions within the party.
“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 statement said.
The party urged Nigerians to disregard what it described as misleading narratives surrounding the controversy, reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and its broader objective of providing credible leadership alternatives for the country.
“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.