The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has called on the Federal Government to review its current economic policies, saying their impact on households and businesses has contributed to the hardship faced by many Nigerians.
The party also pledged to prioritise national security, police reform, economic productivity and accountable governance if elected into office in the 2027 general elections.
The National Chairman of the DLA, Barr. Samuel Memeh, made the call in Abuja during the official flag-off of the party’s nationwide campaigns and the presentation of Certificates of Return to its candidates for the 2027 elections.
The event was held under the theme, “A New Leadership for a Secure, Just and Productive Nigeria.”
Memeh said the occasion marked the party’s commitment to offering Nigerians a new approach to leadership, governance and national development.
He noted that despite the country’s abundant human and natural resources, Nigerians continued to grapple with insecurity, poverty, unemployment, rising living costs and inadequate public services.
According to him, the government must honestly assess the impact of its policies and introduce measures that improve citizens’ living conditions.
DLA Promises Stronger Security, Police Reform
The DLA chairman described persistent killings, kidnappings, banditry, terrorism and attacks on farming communities as unacceptable, stressing that Nigerians deserved to live, travel, work and farm without fear.
He said the party would advocate intelligence-driven security operations, the deployment of modern technology, improved training and equipment for security personnel, better intelligence sharing and accountability in the management of security funds.
Memeh also called for comprehensive reform of the Nigeria Police Force, including improved professional training, better welfare, modern investigative tools, increased operational capacity and effective supervision.
He said the party supported serious consideration of constitutionally safeguarded state policing as a complementary measure to strengthen security, provided adequate safeguards were established to prevent political abuse and protect citizens’ rights.
According to him, reforming the existing police system and introducing responsible state policing should not be treated as mutually exclusive options.
“What matters is that government takes practical action to protect the people,” he said.
Party Seeks Review of Economic Policies
On the economy, Memeh expressed concern about the hardship confronting Nigerian households and businesses, arguing that government policies should be assessed based on their actual effects on citizens.
He said policies that contributed to rising costs, declining purchasing power and increasing poverty should be reviewed, while vulnerable citizens should receive adequate protection.
The DLA chairman urged the Federal Government to demonstrate how its economic reforms would translate into affordable food, job creation, stronger businesses and improved living standards.
He added that economic reform should not become an excuse for overlooking the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
Memeh said the party would support policies that advance the public interest, challenge measures that cause avoidable hardship and propose practical alternatives.
He also outlined the DLA’s vision of moving Nigeria towards greater domestic production, manufacturing, modern agriculture, renewable energy, science, technology and innovation.
According to him, the country must create more opportunities for young people to acquire relevant skills, establish businesses, develop innovations and become employers of labour.
Memeh Charges Party Leaders on Proactive Leadership
The DLA national chairman urged party leaders at the national, state, local government and ward levels to be proactive in addressing challenges affecting their communities.
He said political leadership should go beyond occupying offices and attending meetings, adding that leaders must demonstrate initiative, courage, knowledge and the capacity to develop practical solutions.
Memeh urged party officials to study government policies, identify shortcomings, explain their consequences and present credible alternatives, rather than waiting until election periods to address public concerns.
He also called for unity, discipline and collective responsibility among party members and candidates.
According to him, the Certificates of Return and party flags presented at the event represented a responsibility to serve rather than personal entitlement.
He urged candidates to conduct peaceful campaigns, comply with electoral laws, respect political opponents and focus on issues affecting their constituents.
The chairman further called on state party structures to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and support candidates while maintaining unity and commitment to public service.
Presidential Candidate Promises Change in Governance
In his acceptance speech, the DLA presidential candidate, Mr Thisday Moses Adebisi, pledged to pursue a different approach to governance founded on competence, integrity, accountability, science, technology and service to the people.
Adebisi said the party was committed to building a political institution that would not merely criticise existing national challenges but also develop practical solutions to address them.
He expressed the need for leadership capable of restoring public confidence in governance and creating conditions for national development.
The presidential candidate urged Nigerians to assess the party based on the credibility of its policies, the quality of its candidates and the integrity of its actions.
He said the DLA envisioned a country where institutions function effectively, leadership serves the public interest and economic opportunities are accessible to citizens.
DLA Campaign Council Calls for Peaceful Elections
The Chairman of the DLA Campaign Council, Barr. Fortune Aghwaretoma, said the party’s campaigns would be issue-based and urged members to shun violence throughout the electioneering period.
Aghwaretoma called on party supporters to maintain peace, conduct themselves responsibly and focus on presenting the DLA’s policies and programmes to Nigerians.
He expressed confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, saying the DLA had the capacity to compete successfully in the 2027 general elections.
Party Seeks Nigerians’ Support
Memeh, in his closing remarks, urged candidates to represent the party with honour, leaders to remain proactive and members to maintain unity and discipline.
He also appealed to Nigerians to scrutinise the party’s proposals and judge its candidates on the strength of their policies and commitment to public service.
The DLA chairman said the party remained committed to building a secure, just and productive Nigeria through responsible leadership, effective institutions, economic opportunity and accountability in governance.
He stressed that the party’s responsibility to the country would extend beyond election day, noting that addressing insecurity, economic hardship and governance challenges required sustained commitment and practical solutions.
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