The National Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Barr. Samuel M. Memeh, has disclosed that the party will not participate in the August 2026 Osun State governorship election, saying its recent registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) made it impossible to meet the statutory requirements for the poll.
Memeh, who spoke during his first official visit to the Osun State chapter of the party in Osogbo on Tuesday, however, said the DLA was studying the political developments, governance records and policy directions of the governorship candidates and would, at the appropriate time, decide whether to support any candidate.
The National Chairman, who was accompanied by members of the party’s National Working Committee and state chairmen from across the country, explained that any endorsement by the party would be based strictly on competence, integrity, commitment to the welfare of the people and the capacity to provide responsible leadership.
He stressed that the party would not be influenced by political convenience, ethnicity, religion or personal relationships, maintaining that the interest of the people of Osun State would remain its overriding consideration.
Memeh made the remarks while formally strengthening the Osun State chapter of the party under the leadership of the Acting State Chairman, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi.
He commended the Osun State Executive Committee, stakeholders and members for laying what he described as a solid foundation for the growth of the party in the state.
The DLA National Chairman said the visit marked a major milestone in the party’s history, describing it as a demonstration of the national leadership’s commitment to building a grassroots-based political movement across the country.
He explained that the Democratic Leadership Alliance was established to provide Nigerians with a credible political alternative founded on competent leadership, integrity, accountability, innovation, economic productivity and people-centred governance.
According to him, Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not the absence of resources but a deficit of purposeful leadership, adding that the party was committed to producing leaders with the competence, character and courage to transform the country.
Memeh said the vision of the DLA is to build a nation where government works for the people, security is guaranteed, education prepares young people for the future, agriculture and industry create sustainable jobs, healthcare is accessible, justice is impartial and public resources are managed transparently.
He assured residents of Osun State that the party would continue to support policies and leadership that promote economic development, quality education, modern healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment, agricultural development and responsible governance.
The DLA National Chairman urged the people of Osun to remain peaceful throughout the electoral process and exercise their democratic rights responsibly, noting that elections should be contests of ideas and service rather than violence and intimidation.
Addressing party members, Memeh said his visit marked the beginning of stronger engagement between the national leadership and state chapters, with renewed efforts to strengthen party structures in every ward and local government, recruit patriotic Nigerians and prepare for future elections.
He maintained that the Democratic Leadership Alliance was not merely seeking political power but was committed to changing Nigeria’s leadership culture by producing disciplined, visionary and accountable leaders who regard public office as a sacred trust.
