The National Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Barr. Samuel M. Memeh, has declared that the party will not participate in the August 2026 Osun State governorship election, citing its late registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Memeh made this known on Tuesday during his first official visit to the Osun State chapter of the party in Osogbo, where he formally inaugurated and strengthened the state structure under the leadership of Dr Tosin Odeyemi.
According to him, the party’s inability to field a governorship candidate should not be interpreted as political irrelevance or a lack of interest in the political future of Osun State.
“Our party was officially registered on February 5, 2026, after the electoral timetable and relevant guidelines for the Osun governorship election had already taken effect. Consequently, we were unable to satisfy the statutory requirements necessary to participate in the election,” he said.
Memeh disclosed that the party was closely monitoring political developments in the state and would, at the appropriate time, decide whether to support any candidate based strictly on competence, integrity, commitment to good governance and the welfare of the people.
He added that the DLA was considering the possibility of endorsing a candidate whose programmes and leadership philosophy align with the party’s ideals.
“Our support, if given, will not be determined by political convenience, ethnicity, religion or personal relationships. It will be based solely on the candidate’s capacity to provide responsible leadership and advance the interests of the people,” he stated.
The DLA national chairman, who described Nigeria’s greatest challenge as a deficit of purposeful and competent leadership rather than a lack of natural or human resources, said the party was established to redefine governance through integrity, accountability and people-centred leadership.
He noted that the DLA was founded to offer Nigerians a credible political alternative capable of producing leaders with the competence, character and courage required to transform the country.
According to him, the party envisions a nation where government institutions function effectively, security is guaranteed, education equips young people for future opportunities, healthcare is accessible, agriculture and industry create sustainable jobs, and public resources are managed with transparency and accountability.
Memeh formally inaugurated and strengthened the Osun State chapter of the party under the leadership of Acting State Chairman, Dr Tosin Odeyemi, while commending the state executive, stakeholders and members for laying what he described as a solid foundation for the party’s growth in the state.
He further pledged that the DLA would continue to promote policies that encourage economic development, youth empowerment, quality education, improved healthcare, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development and responsible governance.
“The welfare of the people must remain the primary objective of every government,” he said.
The national chairman also assured party faithful that his visit marked the beginning of stronger collaboration between the national leadership and state chapters, with plans to deepen the party’s grassroots structures in every ward and local government area across the country.
“The Democratic Leadership Alliance is not merely seeking political power. We are committed to changing the culture of leadership in Nigeria by producing disciplined, visionary and accountable leaders who understand that public office is a sacred trust,” he said.
Memeh thanked members and supporters for the warm reception accorded him in Osun State and urged them to remain committed to the party’s vision of building a stronger political institution capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic and socio-economic development.