Agada’s request was made through a petition issued in Abuja by his Presidential Campaign Council after he was excluded from the party’s presidential primary held on May 30.
The council accused the party leadership of collecting nomination-related fees despite allegedly knowing that Agada would not be eligible to contest because of the party’s decision to zone its presidential ticket to the South.
According to the petition, the campaign team claimed the party received N150 million from Agada, including N50 million for expression of interest and nomination forms and an additional N100 million contributed toward convention activities and party support initiatives.
The petition, signed by Council President Prince Temilade Craig and Secretary Prince Temilade Craig, alleged that the party acted unfairly by accepting the payments, screening the aspirant, and allowing him to continue campaigning before later issuing a disqualification notice.
The council argued that if the party had already resolved to zone the presidential ticket to the South, Agada should not have been permitted to purchase forms or participate in the screening process.
Campaign Council Threatens EFCC Petition
Agada’s supporters further alleged that the party’s actions amounted to obtaining funds under false pretences and warned that they could petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the matter.
They also claimed the development reinforced concerns among some members that aspirants from outside the South-East were not being given equal opportunities within the party.
The council maintained that party leaders should provide a clear explanation for accepting the funds if the zoning arrangement had already been finalized before the nomination process began.
Labour Party Defends Decision
Responding to the allegations, the Labour Party insisted that Agada’s disqualification was entirely consistent with its constitution and resolutions adopted at its national convention.
Speaking on behalf of the party, Ken Asogwa said the zoning arrangement was neither secret nor recently introduced.
According to Asogwa, the decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South was formally ratified during the party’s national convention held on April 28, 2026.
“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,” he stated.
He emphasized that resolutions reached at the convention remain binding on all aspirants, stakeholders, and party organs.
Asogwa argued that Agada voluntarily chose to continue pursuing the nomination despite public knowledge of the zoning arrangement and therefore assumed the political risks associated with that decision.
Party Maintains Constitutional Position
The Labour Party also dismissed claims regarding the amount allegedly spent by Agada on his campaign, insisting that personal financial commitments cannot override party rules and constitutional provisions.
Party officials maintained that the disqualification was not targeted at any individual but was simply the enforcement of a collective decision aimed at preserving internal balance and party unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
The dispute adds another layer of controversy to the ongoing political realignments within opposition parties as preparations for the next presidential election gather momentum.
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