The 2027 presidential candidate of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Moses Adebisi, has rejected the party’s decision to suspend his campaign activities, insisting that he remains its legitimate flagbearer ahead of the general elections.
Adebisi accused the party’s National Chairman, Samuel Memeh, of attempting to use the party to negotiate with another presidential candidate, describing the alleged move as unlawful.
His reaction followed the party’s announcement that it had suspended all presidential campaign activities and public appearances connected to his candidature over allegations of financial misconduct.
The DLA also referred Adebisi to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Inspector-General of Police for investigation over an alleged financial commitment involving a dud cheque.
In a statement, Memeh said the party initiated disciplinary proceedings after concerns emerged over a financial undertaking allegedly made by Adebisi before the party’s substitution primary held on August 20, 2026.
According to the chairman, the party’s National Disciplinary Committee invited Adebisi to appear before it on August 30 to explain the circumstances surrounding the transaction.
The party subsequently directed the suspension of his presidential campaign activities pending the conclusion of its disciplinary process.
It also warned members against campaigning for Adebisi or using his photographs on posters, banners and other campaign materials in a manner suggesting official party endorsement.
However, speaking with PUNCH on Tuesday, Adebisi dismissed the allegations, claiming that the dispute arose because the chairman wanted to negotiate with another presidential candidate.
He insisted that the party could not abandon his candidature after he emerged through its substitution primary.
“Recently, I got a message that Meme has started looking for a way to use the party to negotiate with another presidential candidate. I know that, because it is not permissible by law. The party has a presidential candidate in the person of Moses Adebisi. So, any attempt to sell off the party or endorse another presidential candidate is an effort in futility,” he said.
Adebisi also denied financial impropriety, claiming that he had spent more than N90m to revive the party and support its political activities.
He explained that the N40m cheque issued to Memeh was undated and intended as a guarantee for political activities rather than an immediate payment.
“I didn’t issue a dated cheque to you; I issued an undated cheque. The cheque was just a guarantee for the political activities to commence, so that there is proof that a N40m bounty was signed to you, which you can take at any time,” he stated.
The presidential candidate further alleged that the party had previously operated as a money-making venture before his involvement.
He maintained that he had no financial dispute with anybody and insisted that he remained the DLA’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
