Makinde Picks Ex-DSS Chief Daura as VP Candidate, Cites Security Needs

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has named former Department of State Services boss Lawal Daura as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

The announcement was made on Thursday at the Allied Peoples Movement national convention held at the Government House in Bauchi, according to The Cable.

Dotun Oyelade, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, disclosed the development in a statement. According to Oyelade, Makinde said Daura was chosen with security in mind, given the current challenges facing the country.

Speaking at the event, Makinde, who is the APM presidential flag bearer, said Nigeria needs tested hands to restore stability and safeguard lives. He added that his campaign will focus on practical steps to address poverty, which he said has worsened in the last three years due to poor policy implementation.

“This is about giving Nigerians a real say in the future of the country,” the governor stated. “Winning the election is one part. The bigger task is to reset Nigeria and put it back on track.”

Makinde first declared his intention to run for president on May 14 during a joint rally of the APM and the Peoples Democratic Party in Ibadan.

Daura served as DSS Director-General between July 2015 and August 2018. His tenure ended after a disputed operation by DSS personnel at the National Assembly.

Prior to his move to the APM, Daura had sought the ADC governorship ticket in Katsina State. He resigned from the ADC on Sunday, citing internal problems and a lack of fairness within the party.

With Daura on the ticket, Makinde said the APM intends to place security and effective governance at the heart of its campaign for 2027.

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