Labour Party Dismisses Allegations of Fraud Over N150m Refund Demand

The Labour Party has rejected allegations of fraud and sabotage made by a disqualified presidential aspirant, Dr. Peter Agada. Agada had demanded a refund of N150 million, which he claimed to have paid to the party for his 2027 presidential nomination bid. However, the party has maintained that Agada's disqualification was in line with its constitution and resolutions of its national convention. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, stated that the decision to zone the presidency to the South was a well-established policy that was publicly affirmed from the beginning of the party's present leadership structure. According to Asogwa, the decision was formally ratified at the party's national convention held on April 28, 2026, which is the highest decision-making organ of the party. Agada's Presidential Campaign Council had accused the party leadership of collecting Expression of Interest and Nomination fees from Agada despite knowing that he would not be allowed to contest because of the party's decision to zone its presidential ticket to the South. The council alleged that the party obtained N150 million from Agada, comprising N50 million for expression of interest and nomination forms and another N100 million in contributions towards the party's national convention and related activities. Asogwa argued that Agada's decision to purchase nomination forms and continue campaign activities despite the public knowledge of the zoning arrangement amounted to a personal political risk. The party has insisted that the disqualification was neither targeted nor vindictive, but a constitutional enforcement of a collective decision aimed at preserving internal balance and party cohesion. The Labour Party has also dismissed claims that Agada expended over N300 million in pursuit of the presidential ticket, stating that financial commitments by aspirants cannot supersede validly adopted party resolutions. The party's position has been supported by its National Publicity Secretary, who stated that the zoning arrangement was not sudden or secretly introduced, but a well-established policy that was publicly affirmed from the beginning of the party's present leadership structure. The council has threatened to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over what it described as campaign funds obtained under false pretences.