By Emeka Uga | Abuja
October 15, 2026
The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has called for urgent security and economic reforms, including the implementation of constitutionally safeguarded state police, to address insecurity, rising poverty and the growing cost of living in Nigeria.
The party also urged the Federal Government to review economic policies it says are contributing to rising living costs, declining purchasing power and worsening hardship among Nigerians.
The DLA National Chairman and Leader, Barrister Samuel Memeh, made the call in Abuja on Thursday during the official launch of the party’s campaigns and the presentation of Certificates of Return to its candidates.
Memeh said Nigeria needed leadership driven by competence, integrity, accountability, science, technology and a commitment to public service.
He said the party intended to offer practical solutions to the country’s challenges rather than merely criticise existing policies and government actions.
DLA Demands Urgent Action on Insecurity
On security, Memeh condemned persistent killings, kidnappings, banditry, terrorism and attacks on farming communities, saying Nigerians should be able to live, travel, work and farm without fear.
“The protection of lives and property is a fundamental responsibility of the government. The Federal Government must not allow the weaknesses of the current policing system to persist while Nigerians suffer,” he said.
The DLA chairman called for intelligence-driven security operations, modern technology, improved training and equipment for security personnel, stronger intelligence sharing and accountability in the management of security funds.
He also stressed the need to improve police capacity through professional training, better welfare, modern investigative tools and effective supervision.
According to him, strengthening the existing Nigeria Police Force and establishing responsible state police structures should be pursued together rather than treated as competing options.
He maintained that state policing must be supported by constitutional safeguards and effective oversight to ensure that the system protects citizens and serves the public interest.
Party Calls for Economic Reforms to Reduce Poverty
The DLA also urged the Federal Government to review its economic policies to ensure that reforms translate into affordable food, more employment opportunities, stronger businesses and improved living standards.
Memeh said the party would support policies that advance the public interest, challenge measures that cause avoidable hardship and propose practical alternatives.
He advocated a shift away from excessive dependence on consumption and imports towards domestic production, manufacturing, modern agriculture, renewable energy, science, technology and innovation.
According to him, developing these sectors could create opportunities for young Nigerians to become skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, inventors and employers of labour.
The party maintained that economic growth should be reflected in the everyday lives of citizens, particularly through improved purchasing power, productive employment and better access to basic necessities.
DLA Presents Certificates of Return to Candidates
At the campaign launch, Memeh reminded party candidates that the flags and Certificates of Return presented to them represented responsibility and service to the people, not personal entitlement.
“Leadership is not merely occupying an office or attending meetings. It requires initiative, courage, knowledge and the ability to provide solutions,” he said.
He urged party leaders to scrutinise government policies, identify shortcomings and propose credible alternatives rather than waiting until election periods to address public concerns.
Addressing the candidates, the DLA chairman called for peaceful campaigns, compliance with electoral laws, credible policy proposals, engagement with constituents and respect for political opponents.
“Our party’s mission is greater than the ambition of any individual. We must put aside unnecessary rivalries, respect our party’s constitution and work together towards our common objectives,” he said.
Memeh also urged party members to maintain unity and discipline, strengthen grassroots mobilisation and avoid internal rivalries that could undermine their collective goals.
DLA Declares Campaign Season Open
The party chairman said the DLA was committed to building a Nigeria founded on responsible leadership, effective institutions, security, justice and economic productivity.
He formally declared the party’s campaign season open and called on Nigerians to assess its candidates based on the quality of their proposals, the seriousness of their commitments and the integrity of their actions.
The party’s demands place state policing, economic hardship and accountability at the centre of its governance agenda as it seeks to present its candidates and policy positions to Nigerians.
Source: Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) statement and remarks by its National Chairman, Barrister Samuel Memeh, at the party’s campaign launch in Abuja, as supplied by the reporter, Emeka Uga.
