Alhaji Lawal Musa Daura, former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS/SSS) and vice-presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) on the ticket of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is “not a stranger” to him and that the incumbent is beatable in the 2027 presidential election.
Daura, who was unveiled as Makinde’s running mate at the APM National Convention held in Bauchi in August 2026, made the remarks while addressing supporters and party stakeholders. He positioned the Makinde-Daura ticket as a serious alternative capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Tinubu is not a stranger to me. I know the system, I understand the terrain, and I am convinced he is beatable,” Daura stated. “Nigeria needs leadership that prioritises security, economic recovery, and genuine national unity. Our ticket offers that alternative.”
Daura served as DSS Director-General from 2015 to 2018 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. His selection by Makinde was deliberately made to strengthen the ticket’s capacity to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges.
Makinde, a Christian from the South-West, and Daura, a Muslim from the North, present a balanced South-North pairing.
The APM presidential candidate has repeatedly emphasised that the 2027 election must be about outcomes rather than empty slogans, pledging to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty and reset the country’s direction.
Daura’s entry into the race, following his brief association with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has been described by party officials as a strategic move to inject security expertise and northern political weight into the campaign.
Daura called on opposition forces to focus on presenting credible options to Nigerians, noting that the task ahead goes beyond simply winning power. He expressed confidence that with unity of purpose and a clear message of competence, the APM ticket can compete effectively.