The presidential candidate of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Dr. Johnson Emmanuel Chukwuka, has called for national unity as Nigeria grapples with worsening economic hardship and persistent insecurity, warning that the country faces mounting challenges that require collective action beyond ethnic, religious and political divides.
In a statement, Dr. Chukwuka said the nation is experiencing severe economic difficulties, which he attributed to the policies of the current administration. He noted that the rising cost of living and widespread hardship have placed millions of Nigerians under immense pressure, warning that the situation threatens the country’s stability and future.
According to the DLA presidential candidate, Nigeria is at a critical juncture where urgent and decisive action is needed to address the economic crisis and restore public confidence.
Dr. Chukwuka also condemned the recent attacks on educational institutions, describing them as a direct assault on the nation’s future.
“An attack on our schools is a flagrant attack on our future,” he said, emphasizing that children represent the hope of the country and that protecting access to education is essential for sustainable national development.
The presidential hopeful further expressed concern over the recurring farmer-herder clashes across the North Central region, particularly in Benue, Plateau, Kogi and neighbouring states. He said the continued violence in key agricultural communities threatens Nigeria’s food security and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers who play a vital role in feeding the nation.
Speaking on governance, Dr. Chukwuka lamented what he described as a decline in democratic accountability, arguing that citizens increasingly fear those in authority rather than holding government accountable.
“In a democracy, the government is supposed to fear the people. But in our nation today, the people fear the government. This is another serious threat to the existence of our citizens,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to reject politics driven by tribe, religion and ethnicity, stressing that unity and shared purpose are essential to overcoming the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
Dr. Chukwuka maintained that only through national cohesion and collective commitment can Nigeria effectively confront its current crises, strengthen its institutions and chart a path toward lasting peace, economic recovery and sustainable development.