The National Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Barr. Samuel Memeh, has said the party will, at the appropriate time, endorse a candidate in the August 15 Osun State governorship election whose vision aligns with its ideals of youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and people-centred governance.
Memeh made this known on Tuesday during his first official visit to the Osun State chapter of the party in Osogbo, where he addressed journalists after inaugurating the state chapter under the leadership of the Acting State Chairman, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi.
He explained that although the DLA would not field a candidate in the forthcoming governorship election, the party was closely monitoring political developments in the state before making a decision on who to support.
According to him, the party was officially registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on February 5, 2026, after the electoral timetable for the Osun governorship election had already commenced, making it impossible to participate in the poll.
“Our party is still studying the political atmosphere in Osun, and we will declare our support for a leader who is ready to align with our political ideology, particularly youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and social welfare,” Memeh said.
The DLA chairman said the party was established to provide Nigerians with a credible political alternative built on competent leadership, integrity, accountability, innovation and economic productivity.
He noted that Nigeria’s greatest challenge was not a lack of resources but a shortage of purposeful leadership capable of transforming the country.
Memeh stressed that the DLA was not formed merely to contest elections or serve as a platform for politicians seeking power.
“We are not just creating a political party but also a political culture, not just a special purpose party where people use the platform to attain political power or win elections. We are building a leadership culture because we understand that our country is in need of leaders who can bring new innovation and ideas into the system of government,” he stated.
He added that the party was committed to building strong structures from the grassroots to the national level while grooming disciplined, visionary and accountable leaders.
“We want to build a party not only at the national level but down to the grassroots, and that is why we are in Osun today,” he added.
Memeh also called on residents of Osun State to remain peaceful before, during and after the governorship election, urging them to exercise their civic rights responsibly.
He maintained that elections should be contests of ideas and service rather than violence, intimidation or political bitterness.
The event was attended by members of the DLA National Working Committee led by the National Chairman, state chairmen from Ogun, Ondo and Lagos states, the Osun State executive, delegates from all local government areas of the state and other party stakeholders.
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