A 2027 presidential aspirant under the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Abisayo Busari-Akinnadeju, has resigned her membership of the party and demanded a refund of her presidential nomination fee, citing concerns over the conduct of the party’s primary process.
In a resignation letter dated Friday, May 29, 2026, and addressed to the National Chairman of the party, she said her decision followed what she described as the party’s failure to conduct a transparent and competitive primary election.
She alleged that the leadership of the DLA opted for a consensus arrangement, which she argued contradicted internal party guidelines and undermined democratic principles within the organisation.
According to her, the situation made it impossible for a fair contest to take place, prompting her decision to withdraw from the race and the party.
“I write to formally notify you and the National Working Committee of my resignation from the Democratic Leadership Alliance with immediate effect,” she stated.
She added that her exit was not an admission of defeat but a protest against what she described as a flawed and predetermined selection process.
“I do not resign in defeat. I resign because I was not allowed a fair contest, and I will not associate my name with a process that has abandoned its own rules,” she wrote.
Busari-Akinnadeju requested written confirmation of her resignation, a refund of her nomination fee, and the return of all personal documents and materials submitted to the party.
She also expressed appreciation to party members across the country, noting that many had joined with genuine intentions to build a credible political platform.
However, she insisted that their efforts were being undermined by the party’s leadership decisions.
Despite her resignation, she affirmed that her ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election remains unchanged, adding that she is committed to the “Dare Nigeria” movement.
She said her experience within the party had only strengthened her belief in the need for political reform and better leadership structures in the country.
Busari-Akinnadeju, who hails from Akungba Akoko in Ondo State, stated that she had invested significant time and resources in the party, expecting a fair and lawful process.
She said that a political party unable to conduct credible internal elections cannot convincingly guarantee good governance at the national level.