DLA Chairman Demands Sweeping Police Reform by 2027
The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has officially launched its 2027 election campaign, with Chairman Barrister Samuel M. Memeh calling for urgent police reform, improved security, and greater government accountability. The party also outlined its economic agenda, emphasizing a shift towards production and policies that alleviate hardship for Nigerian citizens. Memeh urged candidates to conduct peaceful campaigns focused on credible solutions and unity.
The National Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Barrister Samuel M. Memeh has called for significant reforms in policing, enhanced security measures, and greater governmental accountability in Nigeria, in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
He spoke at the official launch of the party's campaigns and the presentation of Certificates of Return to its 2027 election candidates in Abuja, Memeh underscored the unacceptable prevalence of killings, kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, and assaults on farming communities.
He affirmed that Nigerian citizens are entitled to live, travel, work, and farm free from fear.
The DLA chairman outlined the party's commitment to advocating for intelligence-driven security operations, the strategic deployment of modern technology, substantial improvements in the training and equipment for security personnel, more efficient intelligence sharing, and stringent accountability in the management of security funds.
He specifically urged a comprehensive overhaul of the Nigeria Police Force, encompassing upgraded professional training, improved welfare packages, access to modern investigative tools, and effective supervisory mechanisms.
Furthermore, Memeh stated the DLA's support for the constitutional consideration of state policing as a complementary strategy to combat insecurity.
This support is contingent upon the establishment of adequate safeguards to prevent political misuse and to ensure the protection of citizens' rights.
He emphasized that the reform of the existing police system and the development of responsible state policing should not be viewed as mutually exclusive, but rather as integrated approaches to a complex challenge.
Addressing economic concerns, the DLA chairman voiced apprehension over the severe hardship affecting Nigerian households and businesses. He asserted that government policies must be evaluated based on their direct impact on citizens' lives.
Policies contributing to escalating living costs, diminished purchasing power, and increased poverty, he argued, necessitate review, coupled with the introduction of effective measures to safeguard vulnerable Nigerians.
Memeh stressed that the Federal Government must clearly demonstrate how its economic policies will translate into affordable food, increased employment, productive businesses, and an overall improvement in living standards.
He declared that the DLA would actively support policies that advance the public interest, vigorously challenge those that inflict avoidable hardship, and consistently propose practical alternatives.
He advocated a fundamental shift in the national economic strategy, moving away from an excessive reliance on consumption and imports towards a robust focus on production, manufacturing, modern agriculture, renewable energy, science, technology, and innovation.
This transition, he believes, is crucial for creating opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire valuable skills, establish enterprises, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The DLA chairman also exhorted party leaders at all levels—national, state, local government, and ward—to adopt a proactive stance in confronting the challenges within their communities.
He articulated that political leadership transcends merely holding office or attending meetings; it demands identifying policy failures, clearly explaining their ramifications, and proposing credible, actionable solutions.
Addressing the party’s candidates, Memeh underscored that the Certificates of Return and party flags symbolized significant responsibility, not personal entitlement. He urged them to conduct peaceful campaigns, strictly adhere to electoral laws, present well-articulated credible policies, and engage voters with respect.
He also called for unwavering unity and discipline within the party, encouraging members to set aside internal rivalries and collaborate towards their shared objectives.
Memeh concluded by reaffirming the DLA's commitment to building a Nigeria founded on responsible leadership, effective institutions, robust security, justice, and sustained economic productivity.
He officially inaugurated the party’s campaign season, imploring Nigerians to evaluate its candidates based on the seriousness of their proposals and the integrity of their actions.