DLA Rejects Ex‑Aspirant’s Claims, Says Disqualification Followed Party Rules

The Democratic Leadership Alliance has pushed back against allegations of unfair treatment from a former presidential aspirant, insisting that her disqualification from the party’s screening process was carried out in line with its constitution and established guidelines.

Abisayo Modupe, who sought the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 election, had accused the DLA of unfairly excluding her from the race. However, the party described her claims as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the DLA explained that three other aspirants bought nomination forms, went through the screening exercise, and were assessed based on the party’s rules. Only those who met the requirements were cleared to proceed.

According to the party, Modupe also took part in the screening but was not cleared by the relevant organs following the outcome of the exercise. The DLA noted that no other aspirant had raised any complaint about the transparency or fairness of the process.

The party further criticised Modupe for bypassing internal dispute resolution channels and instead airing her grievances on social media.

The DLA warned that it would not allow personal disappointment to undermine its internal democratic processes, adding that political leadership requires respect for due process and institutional procedures.

Rejecting any suggestion of gender bias, the party described itself as a strong advocate for women’s political participation, noting that women already hold strategic positions within the alliance

The DLA urged the public to disregard what it called misleading narratives, reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and credible leadership.