Agada N150m refund demand was rejected by the Labour Party, which says his disqualification followed its constitution and zoning policy
The Labour Party has rejected allegations of fraud and political sabotage made by disqualified presidential aspirant Dr Peter Agada, insisting that his exclusion from the party’s 2027 presidential primary was in line with established constitutional provisions and a long-standing zoning arrangement.
Also read: BREAKING: Labour Party zones 2027 presidential ticket to south
The dispute follows a demand by Agada for the refund of N150 million paid to the party in connection with his failed presidential bid.
The demand was contained in a petition issued on Saturday by the Peter Agada Presidential Campaign Council after the aspirant was disqualified from participating in the Labour Party presidential primary held on May 30.
The council accused the party leadership of accepting funds from Agada despite allegedly knowing that he would not be eligible to contest because the party had already resolved to zone its presidential ticket to the South.
According to the petition, the funds comprised N50 million paid for expression of interest and nomination forms and an additional N100 million contributed towards the party’s national convention and related activities.
The petition was jointly signed by the council’s President, Temilade Craig, and Secretary, Blessing Elaigwe.
Craig alleged that the party acted in bad faith by accepting the payments, screening Agada and allowing him to continue campaigning before eventually issuing a disqualification letter shortly before the primary election.
“We members and supporters of Dr Peter Agada Presidential Campaign Council nationwide have read with shock and disgust the self-indicting and contradicting confession by LP leadership, confirming that the party conspired to obtain under unfair pretences aspirant fees for expression of interest form, nomination fees and subsequent screening from the aspirant,” the statement read.
The campaign council maintained that party officials repeatedly assured Agada of support for his presidential ambition, only to reverse course after substantial financial commitments had already been made.
Craig also referenced comments attributed to Labour Party National Publicity Secretary Ken Asogwa, who reportedly stated that the zoning arrangement had long been adopted and was ratified at the party’s national convention.
According to the council, the explanation raised questions about why Agada was permitted to purchase forms, undergo screening and actively pursue his aspiration if party leaders had already determined he was ineligible.
The council further alleged that the disqualification reinforced concerns among some supporters that aspirants from outside the South-East were being unfairly excluded from the contest.
It also threatened to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over what it described as campaign funds obtained under false pretences.
“We wish them well as we hereby put them on notice of hearing soonest from the EFCC on our political networks’ jointly contributed campaign funds, which they obtained under false pretences from our dear principal, Dr Peter Agada,” Craig stated.
In response, the Labour Party firmly rejected the allegations and defended its decision.
Asogwa said the zoning arrangement was neither a recent development nor a hidden policy, arguing that it had been publicly affirmed since the emergence of the party’s current leadership structure.
“The decision to zone the presidency to the South did not happen yesterday. It is a settled matter that was adopted long ago and ratified at the national convention,” Asogwa said.
He explained that the decision was formally endorsed during the party’s national convention held on April 28, 2026, describing the gathering as the highest decision-making body within the party.
According to Asogwa, all resolutions adopted at the convention are binding on party members, aspirants and stakeholders.
The Labour Party spokesman argued that Agada knowingly proceeded with his presidential ambition despite widespread awareness of the zoning arrangement.
“It is unfortunate that he chose to go against this zoning arrangement and proceeded to buy nomination forms,” Asogwa stated.
The party also dismissed claims regarding the amount Agada allegedly spent pursuing the presidential ticket, insisting that personal financial investments by aspirants could not override constitutionally adopted party decisions.
Labour Party officials maintained that the disqualification was neither targeted nor politically motivated but represented the enforcement of a valid party resolution intended to preserve internal balance and cohesion.
The controversy adds another chapter to the party’s internal political debates as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.
Also read: Labour Party warns against fees for membership registration
While Agada’s supporters continue to press for accountability and a refund of the funds paid to the party, Labour Party leaders insist the matter has already been settled through constitutional processes and convention resolutions.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
