The National Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Samuel Memeh, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration under President Bola Tinubu of plunging Nigerians into severe hardship and worsening insecurity.
Memeh made the remarks yesterday in Abuja during the party’s inaugural national convention, noting that millions of citizens are grappling with deteriorating economic conditions marked by rising inflation, unemployment, and declining living standards.
He urged the government to prioritise practical, people-oriented solutions that directly improve the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, rather than policies that, in his view, continue to deepen hardship and uncertainty.
A Movement for Reform
Memeh stressed that the convention was not merely a political gathering, but the formal launch of a movement anchored on ideas, discipline, leadership, and national transformation.
Speaking on the theme, “The Road Map to Credible Leadership,” he described the event as the foundation of what the party envisions as one of Nigeria’s most impactful political reform movements.
Leadership at the Core of Nigeria’s Challenges
According to him, Nigeria’s challenges stem primarily from a deficit in credible leadership.
“The crisis confronting our nation today is fundamentally a crisis of leadership,” he said.
“Nigeria is blessed with enormous human and natural resources, yet millions continue to suffer from poverty, unemployment, insecurity, weak institutions, and economic instability.”
Memeh emphasised that the distinction between prosperous and struggling nations lies in the quality of leadership, adding that credible leadership must be built on vision, competence, integrity, accountability, courage, and sacrifice—not propaganda or empty promises.
Security and Agricultural Concerns
He identified the unregulated and poorly managed cattle industry as one of the most pressing issues facing the country, citing its impact on farmers and rural communities.
According to him, the lack of proper regulation has fueled violent conflicts, destruction of farmlands, displacement of rural populations, and rising food insecurity.
He lamented that many rural communities, once centres of agricultural productivity, have become zones of fear and instability.
“Farmers can no longer safely access their land. Food production is declining, and millions of Nigerians are bearing the consequences through increased hunger and poverty,” he stated.
Economic Direction and Policy Focus
Memeh explained that the DLA was founded on the belief that Nigeria’s progress depends on intentional leadership recruitment and development.
He criticised the country’s reliance on a consumption-driven economy, warning that nations that consume more than they produce remain economically vulnerable and dependent.
According to him, the party is committed to repositioning Nigeria towards:
- Production over consumption
- Innovation over dependency
- Productivity over poverty
He added that agriculture cannot thrive without adequate security and proper regulation, stressing the need for reforms in governance, agricultural policy, ranching systems, and rural security.
Youth Inclusion and Capacity Building
Highlighting the party’s focus on youth empowerment, Memeh said the DLA is already taking practical steps to involve young people in nation-building.
He revealed that 98 per cent of the party’s founding members are under the age of 30, describing the initiative as a deliberate effort to drive generational transformation.
According to him, the party is currently investing in capacity development through various programmes, including:
- Industrial and renewable energy training in Russia under its Science Behind Manufacturing Base Programme
- Training for over 10,000 Nigerian youths in web development, AI automation, professional blogging, and social media management
He noted that these initiatives reflect the party’s belief that the future belongs to knowledge, innovation, and digital enterprise.
Conclusion
Memeh reiterated that the DLA is committed to building a new political culture centred on competence, accountability, and forward-thinking leadership, expressing confidence that the party can help steer Nigeria toward sustainable growth and national development.