Labour Party rejects ₦150m refund demand as disqualified aspirant Peter Agada threatens legal action

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party (LP) has dismissed allegations of financial misconduct and rejected a ₦150 million refund demand made by disqualified presidential aspirant, Peter Agada, escalating an internal dispute over the party’s screening and zoning processes ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party insisted that all nomination fees are strictly non-refundable under its established electoral guidelines, and maintained that Agada’s disqualification followed a clear violation of its zoning arrangement for the presidential ticket.

Agada, a former coordinator within the Obidient movement and a prominent financial contributor to the party structure, was barred from participating in the presidential primary after the screening committee found him ineligible under the party’s geopolitical zoning rules. He has since accused the party of misrepresentation and demanded a full refund of his nomination fees.

According to the Labour Party, its constitutionally backed zoning framework was published before nomination forms were sold, reserving the presidential ticket for a specific geopolitical region. The party said Agada proceeded to purchase forms despite the guidelines and later failed to meet the eligibility criteria during screening.

Party officials stressed that all aspirants signed binding documents acknowledging that fees paid for Expression of Interest and nomination forms were non-refundable under any circumstances, including disqualification.

A party spokesperson described Agada’s refund demand as “misguided,” insisting that the screening process was purely procedural and consistent with internal rules.

Agada was disqualified after the conclusion of the party’s pre-primary screening exercise in Abuja. The Labour Party said the process was conducted in line with its constitution and previously communicated guidelines.

The party further noted that funds generated from nomination sales are allocated to administrative and primary election logistics, making refunds operationally impossible under its financial structure.

In response, the Peter Agada Campaign Organisation rejected the party’s position, alleging that the zoning restrictions were unfairly applied and only enforced after the purchase of nomination forms.

The campaign argued that the Labour Party cannot retain what it described as “substantial funds” while denying aspirants full participation rights. It also accused the party of breaching trust and lacking transparency in its internal processes.

Agada’s legal team has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the party, threatening to file a suit at the Federal High Court and pursue regulatory complaints if the ₦150 million is not refunded.

The dispute has added to growing tensions within the Labour Party as it continues preparations for its presidential primary. Party officials have urged aggrieved members to comply with internal dispute resolution mechanisms and respect the supremacy of the party constitution.

Despite the controversy, the LP leadership maintains that its nomination process remains valid, binding, and fully aligned with its internal rules, insisting that “no refund will be issued for rule violations.”