2027: DLA Chairman Calls For Police Reform, Accountability

The National Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Barrister Samuel M. Memeh, has called for urgent police reform, improved security and greater accountability in government, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Memeh made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the official commencement of the party’s campaigns and presentation of Certificates of Return to its candidates for the 2027 elections.

He said persistent killings, kidnappings, banditry, terrorism and attacks on farming communities were unacceptable, insisting that Nigerians deserved to live, travel, work and farm without fear.

The DLA chairman said the party would advocate intelligence-driven security operations, the deployment of modern technology, improved training and equipment for security personnel, better intelligence sharing and accountability in the management of security funds.

He also called for comprehensive reform of the Nigeria Police Force, including improved professional training, better welfare, modern investigative tools and effective supervision.

Memeh said the party supported consideration of constitutionally safeguarded state policing as a complementary measure to address insecurity, provided adequate safeguards were established to prevent political abuse and protect citizens’ rights.

He maintained that reforming the existing police system and developing responsible state policing should not be treated as mutually exclusive approaches.

On the economy, the DLA chairman expressed concern over the hardship confronting Nigerian households and businesses, saying government policies should be evaluated based on their impact on citizens.

He said policies that contributed to rising living costs, declining purchasing power and increased poverty should be reviewed, while effective measures should be introduced to protect vulnerable Nigerians.

According to him, the Federal Government must demonstrate how its economic policies would translate into affordable food, employment, productive businesses and improved living standards.

Memeh said the DLA would support policies that advanced the public interest, challenge those that caused avoidable hardship and propose practical alternatives.

He also advocated a shift from excessive dependence on consumption and imports towards production, manufacturing, modern agriculture, renewable energy, science, technology and innovation.

He said such a transition would create opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire skills, establish businesses and contribute to national development.

The party chairman further urged its leaders at the national, state, local government and ward levels to take a proactive approach to addressing challenges facing their communities.

He said political leadership should go beyond occupying offices and attending meetings to identifying policy failures, explaining their consequences and proposing credible solutions.

Addressing the party’s candidates, Memeh said the Certificates of Return and party flags presented to them represented responsibility rather than personal entitlement.

He urged them to conduct peaceful campaigns, comply with electoral laws, present credible policies and engage voters respectfully.

He also called for unity and discipline within the party, urging members to put aside internal rivalries and work towards their collective objectives.

Memeh 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, urging Nigerians to assess its candidates based on the seriousness of their proposals and the integrity of their actions.