The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) in Lagos State has affirmed a U.S.-based businessman, Mr Moses Adebisi, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The Lagos State DLA Chairman, Mr Richard Benson, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday after the party’s substitution primary.
The exercise was held at the party’s state secretariat in Surulere, Lagos, following a directive from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Benson said the exercise was conducted across the party’s chapters to withdraw the candidature of Mr Samuel M. Memeh.
He said it also formally affirmed Adebisi as Memeh’s replacement for the presidential contest scheduled for Jan. 16, 2027.
According to him, the decision was motivated by Nigeria’s urgent need for ethical, competent and inclusive leadership.
“We are affirming Hon. Moses Adebisi because Nigeria urgently needs ethical, competent and inclusive leadership,” Benson said.
He said the party believed leadership must be anchored on integrity, competence, equity and genuine commitment to citizens’ welfare.
“Adebisi represents the kind of leadership direction we believe Nigeria needs at this critical moment,” he said.
Benson described the unanimous affirmation as a political awakening for the DLA and an important step towards repositioning it ahead of 2027.
He said the party remained committed to providing Nigerians with a credible alternative based on good governance and equal opportunities.
“The DLA is poised to ensure that ethical leadership is put in place for good governance, inclusivity, competence, equity and national development.
“We want Nigerians to know that there is a credible alternative that is prepared to offer a different leadership paradigm,” Benson said.
He said inclusivity, social justice, youth development and gender equality remained central to the DLA’s political philosophy.
Benson said governance should create opportunities for all Nigerians, irrespective of their background, age or gender.
“Our party believes in inclusivity, social justice and youth development, with a strong commitment to gender equality.
“We believe that every Nigerian must have a stake in the governance of the country,” Benson said.
He said the country could not achieve prosperity while large sections of the population remained excluded from meaningful participation.
Benson appealed to DLA members and supporters to unite behind Adebisi and strengthen the party’s structures before the general elections.
He also urged Nigerians seeking an alternative political platform to consider the DLA as a party capable of addressing leadership challenges.
“The DLA is the only credible alternative Nigeria has and the only party that can salvage our dear country,” he said.
Benson said the party’s message remained centred on leadership founded on competence, integrity, justice and inclusivity.
He congratulated Adebisi on his unanimous affirmation and urged him to uphold the party’s ideals while preparing for the presidential campaign.
The chairman expressed optimism that Adebisi’s emergence would strengthen the party’s mobilisation efforts and broaden its support base.
Adebisi’s emergence makes him the DLA presidential flag bearer, replacing Memeh ahead of the Jan. 16, 2027 general elections.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some political parties are using the candidate-substitution window to field presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
