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Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) at the party’s National Convention in Bauchi
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Makinde unveiled former Director-General of the Department of State Services (FSS), Alhaji Lawal Musa Daura, as his vice-presidential running mate, replacing Ibrahim Adamu Bala
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The APM standard-bearer said Daura’s extensive security experience would bolster efforts to tackle Nigeria’s insecurity, while pledging policies aimed at reducing poverty, creating jobs and restoring economic confidence.
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With the Makinde-Daura ticket now formally constituted, the party says it will work with like-minded political leaders and stakeholders across the country to build a formidable coalition ahead of the presidential election.
August 13, (THEWILL) — Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has named former Director-General of Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Musa Daura, as his vice-presidential running mate after clinching the presidential ticket of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election.
THEWILL reports that Makinde was unanimously elected as the party’s presidential candidate on Thursday during the APM National Convention held at Rilwan Adamu Square in Bauchi State, where delegates endorsed him to fly the party’s flag in the next presidential election.
The governor’s emergence marked a major milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2027 polls, with the unveiling of Daura as his running mate becoming one of the convention’s biggest highlights.
Daura replaces Ibrahim Adamu Bala, who had earlier been announced as Makinde’s vice-presidential nominee but was understood to have served only as a placeholder while consultations on the final ticket continued.
The former intelligence chief recently joined the APM after resigning from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he reportedly lost the contest for the party’s governorship ticket in Katsina State.
Announcing the choice of his running mate, Makinde said Daura’s decades of experience in intelligence gathering and national security would be instrumental in addressing the country’s persistent security challenges.
Daura served as Director-General of the DSS from 2015 to 2018 and remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent security figures.
According to Makinde, Nigeria requires leaders with practical experience and the capacity to confront insecurity while rebuilding public confidence in government institutions.
Political observers say the decision to pair with a former security chief reflects the APM’s determination to project competence on one of the country’s most pressing governance issues as campaigns ahead of the 2027 election gather momentum.
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Promises On Poverty Reduction, National Rebuilding
In his acceptance speech, Makinde pledged to implement policies that would lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty, arguing that economic hardship had worsened in recent years because of poorly implemented government policies.
He said his administration, if elected, would prioritise economic recovery, job creation, improved infrastructure, quality education and healthcare, while pursuing reforms capable of delivering inclusive growth across the country.
The governor also described Bauchi as an appropriate venue for the convention, noting that the state is the birthplace of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, whose legacy of patriotism and national service, he said, remains a source of inspiration.
Makinde further pledged to build bridges across political, ethnic and religious divides, promising to work with like-minded political leaders, professionals, civil society organisations and other stakeholders committed to moving Nigeria forward.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
