The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has expressed concern over worsening poverty, rising youth unemployment, insecurity, and declining living standards in the country, blaming the situation on what it described as a failure of leadership.

Speaking at the party’s First National Convention held yesterday in Abuja, the National Chairman of the DLA, Samuel Memeh, said Nigeria’s numerous challenges stem largely from poor governance rather than lack of resources.

According to him, the newly registered political party was founded to champion credible leadership, institutional reforms, technological innovation, and a production-driven economy capable of improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

“Credible leadership is not built on propaganda, intimidation, ethnic sentiments, or empty promises. Credible leadership is built on vision, competence, integrity, accountability, courage, and sacrifice,” he said.

Memeh described the DLA as a movement committed to leadership development, science and technology-driven growth, accountability, national unity, and the protection of productive communities.

He said the party seeks to move Nigeria “from consumption to production, from dependency to innovation, and from poverty to productivity.”

The DLA chairman also raised concerns over insecurity affecting farming communities, warning that attacks on farmers and unresolved conflicts linked to the cattle business had worsened food insecurity and rural poverty.

“The Democratic Leadership Alliance believes that agriculture cannot thrive without security and proper regulation,” he stated, adding that the party would pursue ranching reforms and rural security initiatives.

Memeh criticised the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu over worsening inflation, unemployment, and economic hardship, urging the government to focus on policies that directly improve citizens’ welfare.

“The government must begin to focus on practical solutions that directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians rather than policies that continue to deepen hardship and uncertainty,” he said.

Highlighting youth participation in the party, Memeh disclosed that 98 per cent of the DLA’s founding members are under the age of 30, describing the party as a platform for generational transformation.

He revealed that some party members are currently undergoing industrial and renewable energy training in Russia, while over 10,000 youths are being trained in web development, artificial intelligence automation, blogging, and social media management.

The DLA also announced that it would not zone its future presidential ticket to the southern region, insisting that competence and national unity should take precedence over regional considerations.

“We believe that Nigeria can only truly progress when leadership is seen as a national responsibility rather than a regional entitlement,” Memeh added.