📌 Quick answer: Lawal Musa Daura, 73, is the vice-presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the election on Saturday 16 January 2027, as running mate to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. He is a career security officer from Daura, Katsina State, who served as Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) from 2015 to 2018. His INEC form lists a BA (Hons) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
When Seyi Makinde unveiled his running mate in August 2026, the choice drew immediate attention. Daura is not a career politician but a former head of Nigeria’s domestic intelligence service, whose tenure ended during the 2018 blockade of the National Assembly. Since INEC’s final list confirmed the APM ticket, searches for “who is Lawal Daura” have risen sharply.
This profile sets out what is on record. NaijaSabi does not endorse any candidate or party.
Lawal Musa Daura at a Glance
| Name on INEC’s list | MUSA LAWAL DAURA |
| Age | 73, as declared to INEC |
| Home town | Daura, Katsina State |
| Qualifications filed with INEC | First School Leaving Certificate, GCE, BA (Hons), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria |
| Best-known office | Director-General, Department of State Services (2015–2018) |
| Party | Allied Peoples Movement (APM) |
| Running mate to | Oluseyi Abiodun “Seyi” Makinde, 58, Governor of Oyo State |
| Election day | Saturday, 16 January 2027 |
A Career in State Security
Daura spent his working life in Nigeria’s security services, rising through the State Security Service, now the Department of State Services, the agency responsible for domestic intelligence, counter-terrorism and the protection of senior officials. He had left the service before being recalled to lead it.
In July 2015, weeks after taking office, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Director-General of the DSS. Like the President, he comes from Daura in Katsina State.
The End of His DSS Tenure in 2018
On 7 August 2018, armed and hooded DSS operatives blocked access to the National Assembly complex in Abuja. The same day, Yemi Osinbajo, then Acting President while President Buhari was out of the country, removed Daura as Director-General, saying the action was unauthorised. Matthew Seiyefa was appointed to act in his place.
The episode remains the most widely reported moment of his career, alongside his decades of experience in national security.
Why Makinde Chose Him
Makinde, a two-term Governor of Oyo State in the south-west, announced Daura as his running mate in August 2026. Pairing a southern presidential candidate with a running mate from the north-west follows the long-standing practice of balancing Nigeria’s presidential tickets across regions. Katsina is in the north-west, one of the country’s most vote-rich zones. Daura’s security background also speaks directly to insecurity, a central issue for many voters.
How Daura Compares With the Other Running Mates
| Party | Running mate (age) | Background |
|---|---|---|
| ADC | Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (61) | Former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation |
| APC | Kashim Shettima (59) | Vice President; former Governor of Borno State |
| APM | Lawal Musa Daura (73) | Former Director-General of the DSS |
| NDC | Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (69) | Former Governor of Kano State |
| PDP | Babangida Umaru (61) | INEC filing lists a diploma |
Daura is the oldest running mate among the five best-known tickets, and the only one whose career was in the security services rather than elected office. For the full ballot, see our list of all 18 presidential candidates and running mates, and our profile of PDP candidate Sandy Onor.
What the Vice President Does
If the APM ticket wins, Daura would become Vice President. Under the Constitution, the Vice President chairs the National Economic Council, which brings together the 36 state governors and the Central Bank Governor, and is a member of the Council of State and the National Security Council. The Vice President also takes over as Acting President when the President is away or unable to perform his functions, as happened in 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Seyi Makinde’s running mate?
Lawal Musa Daura, former Director-General of the Department of State Services, on the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) ticket.
How old is Lawal Daura?
73, as declared to INEC.
Where is Lawal Daura from?
Daura, in Katsina State, in north-west Nigeria.
Why was Lawal Daura removed as DSS DG?
He was removed by then Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on 7 August 2018, the day DSS operatives blocked access to the National Assembly. The Presidency described that action as unauthorised.
What did Lawal Daura study?
His INEC form lists a BA (Hons) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Sources
- Independent National Electoral Commission – Final List of Candidates, Presidential, Presidential and National Assembly Elections for January 2027 – inecnigeria.org
- The Presidency – appointment of Lawal Musa Daura as Director-General, DSS (July 2015) and statement by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo terminating his appointment (7 August 2018)
- Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Third Schedule (National Economic Council, Council of State, National Security Council)
Last updated: 23 October 2026 · NaijaSabi Civic Desk. NaijaSabi does not endorse any candidate or party.
0 Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!