Seyi Makinde has picked a new running mate for the 2027 presidential election: Lawal Musa Daura, a former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS). Daura's appointment was announced at the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) National Convention in Bauchi State on August 13, 2026.
A Career in Intelligence
Lawal Musa Daura was born on August 5, 1953, in Daura, Katsina State. He joined Nigeria's intelligence service in 1982, when it was still operating under the National Security Organisation. Daura rose through the ranks to become a director and served in several important postings across the country, including as State Director of Security in Kano, Sokoto, Edo, Lagos, Osun, and Imo states.
Daura's Tenure as DSS Director-General
Daura served as Director-General of the DSS from 2015 to 2018. During his tenure, the DSS played a key role in the release of 21 Chibok schoolgirls in October 2016. The agency also led negotiations that helped secure the release of the Dapchi schoolgirls in 2018. Daura's experience in intelligence is also the reason Seyi Makinde selected him for the APM ticket, according to Makinde. Makinde said Daura's experience as a former intelligence chief would bring relevant expertise to his campaign and proposed administration, particularly in tackling Nigeria's security problems.
Controversies and Disputes
Daura's time at the DSS was also marked by a series of disputes involving other government institutions, politicians, and the courts. Among the controversies reported during his tenure were the DSS's clashes with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), disputes over security provided to political figures, allegations concerning compliance with court orders, and the agency's handling of Abdulrasheed Maina. Daura's time as DSS chief came to a dramatic end on August 7, 2018, when masked DSS operatives barricaded the National Assembly, preventing lawmakers, staff, and journalists from entering the complex.
Return to Frontline Politics
Daura's retirement from the DSS in 2013 did not last long. He was appointed Director-General of the DSS by then-President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. His experience in intelligence is now being brought to the APM ticket, where Makinde hopes to tackle Nigeria's security problems. Daura's appointment as Makinde's running mate has been seen as a strategic move to bring expertise to the campaign.
Next Steps
Seyi Makinde's decision to pick Lawal Musa Daura as his running mate has been met with interest in the 2027 presidential election. Daura's experience in intelligence and security will be crucial in tackling Nigeria's security problems. The APM ticket is now expected to focus on security issues, with Daura's expertise being a key asset.
Source: Pulse.ng
