Elegbede Abiodun
Says DLA is a direct response to what he termed Nigeria’s “systemic failure, economic stagnation, and insecurity.”
A newly registered political party, the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), has formally entered Nigeria’s political landscape with a bold declaration to reshape governance through ideology, innovation, and leadership reform.
At a world press conference held in Abuja, the National Chairman of the party, Barrister Samuel Memeh, presented what he described as a “defining moment” in the nation’s history, declaring that the party’s emergence signals a deliberate departure from conventional political culture.
Flanked by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Professor Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, and the party’s National Financial Secretary, Obekpa Grace, the party’s national chairman said, “The Democratic Leadership Alliance was founded not as just another political party, but as a movement of purpose, built on a clear ideological foundation—anchored in Pan-Africanism, ethical leadership, scientific advancement, and people-centered governance.”
He emphasized that the formation of the DLA is a direct response to what he termed Nigeria’s “systemic failure, economic stagnation, and insecurity,” adding emphatically:
“Nigeria must rise again, and it will.”
Vision Anchored on Innovation and Production
Outlining the party’s policy direction, Barr. Memeh said the DLA is committed to transforming Nigeria into a science-driven and industrialized nation where innovation drives economic growth and institutions function effectively.
“We envision a Nigeria driven by science, technology, and industrialization—a nation where innovation fuels economic growth, where institutions work, and where leadership is accountable to the people,” he said.
He detailed a shift in economic philosophy away from consumption toward productivity:
“Our economic policy is clear: transition from a consumption-based economy to a production and innovation-driven economy; promote industrialization and local manufacturing; invest heavily in technology, research, and youth-driven enterprise; and build a sustainable system that empowers Nigerians to create wealth and opportunity.”
Security and Agricultural Protection at the Core
On national security and food systems, the DLA chairman took a firm stance on the protection of farmers and regulation of livestock movement across the country.
“The security of lives and property remains non-negotiable. The continuous destruction of farmlands and displacement of farming communities across the country is unacceptable,” he declared.
He outlined specific policy measures the party intends to pursue:
“Immediate legislative and policy framework to end the destruction of farmlands; effective regulation of movement of cattle across Nigeria; and cattle owners must operate within designated and regulated ranching systems, taking full responsibility for their business operations.”
According to him, the issue transcends security concerns:
“This is not just about security—it is about food sovereignty, economic stability, and national survival.”
Memeh added that the party would prioritize agricultural modernization and youth participation:
“Young Nigerians must be encouraged and empowered to embrace agricultural entrepreneurship, supported by modern technology and structured systems.”
Call for National Reorientation and Participation
Positioning the DLA as an inclusive political platform, Memeh urged Nigerians to embrace a new political culture rooted in values and shared responsibility.
“The Democratic Leadership Alliance stands today as the first and only ideologically grounded political party in Nigeria, committed to long-term transformation, not short-term political gains,” he said.
He insisted that Nigeria’s future remains within the control of its citizens:
“Nigeria is not a captured state, and it will never be… no night is so dark that it can stop the coming of the day.”
Calling for collective action, he added:
“The responsibility to rebuild Nigeria does not lie with a few—it lies with all of us.”
He invited Nigerians across divides to join the movement:
“We urge you to register and join us in the great drive to berth a New Day, a New Dawn, and a New Republic for the masses of our people”, giving the party’s website as https://www.dlanigeria.org and urged Nigerians to register online.
Memeh further called for a rejection of entrenched negative political practices:
“We must reject corruption, political opportunism, ethnic and religious division—and embrace unity, discipline, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership.”
“Not About 2027, But the Next Generation” — Prof. Nwaokobia Jnr
Responding to questions from journalists, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, stressed that the DLA’s focus goes beyond electoral cycles.
“We are not just about the next elections. There is a popular cliché that says that politicians are concerned about the next elections, whereas statesmen are concerned about the next generation,” he said.
He explained that the party’s mission centers on addressing Nigeria’s leadership deficit:
“For us it’s not just about 2027 elections. For us it’s about fixing the national leadership deficit. We are interested in building a generation of thinkers who will fix the challenges with our country.”
Prof. Nwaokobia highlighted the symbolism embedded in the party’s identity:
“If you look at the logo of the party, you will see that DLA has a golden pen—the power of information, the power of knowledge, the power of training and grooming.”
He warned that without deliberate leadership development, national decline would persist:
“Our country will continue to rot… if you don’t train leaders who will take responsibility for whatever they do in leadership.”
Screening Political Actors, Rejecting Opportunism
The DLA spokesperson also addressed concerns about the influx of political actors ahead of future elections, noting that the party would be selective in its engagements.
“The Nigerian political space is some kind of a confused arena where people are looking for multipurpose vehicles… But what we’re doing is sifting those that we’re engaging with.”
He emphasized due diligence and value alignment:
“We’re talking with them, we’re looking into their antecedents… because if we do not change the way we perceive politics… then our search for the new republic… will be distant.”
“A Departure from the Old Order”
Describing the DLA as a transformational platform, Nwaokobia reiterated its ideological positioning:
“DLA is simply a departure from the old order… this is the first ideologically centred political party in our history.”
He argued that leadership failure lies at the heart of Nigeria’s challenges:
“At the core of our problem as a nation and as a people is the failure of leadership.”
Drawing a contrast with past political experiences, he concluded:
“DLA has come in to fix that gap and become the solution to our leadership issues and challenges… leaders must show the way. Unfortunately… they have not shown the way thus far.”
A New Political Proposition
With its formal unveiling, the Democratic Leadership Alliance enters Nigeria’s political arena positioning itself as a reform-driven movement aimed at redefining governance, rebuilding institutions, and fostering a new generation of leaders.
As Barr. Memeh concluded:
“The time has come to rewrite the story of our nation… Together, through courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment, we can secure our future. Nigeria will rise again.”
