Lawal Daura: Career, Achievements and Controversies of Seyi Makinde’s New Running Mate. Former Department of State Services (DSS) Director-General, Lawal Musa Daura, has reportedly been chosen as Seyi Makinde’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
Daura is expected to replace Ibrahim Adamu Bala on the ticket, bringing decades of experience within Nigeria’s intelligence and security sector to the political contest.
Who is Lawal Daura?
Daura is a veteran intelligence officer who spent several years within Nigeria’s security establishment before rising to become DSS Director-General in 2015.
He headed the agency during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, at a time when Nigeria was dealing with major security challenges, including terrorism, kidnapping and internal instability.
His time as DSS boss
As Director-General, Daura oversaw the country’s domestic intelligence agency and was involved in several high-profile security and intelligence operations.
His tenure, however, was also marked by intense political scrutiny, with critics accusing the DSS under his leadership of overstepping its security mandate and becoming involved in political matters.
The National Assembly controversy
One of the biggest controversies of Daura’s tenure occurred in August 2018, when DSS operatives reportedly blocked access to the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
The dramatic incident occurred amid a political crisis at the National Assembly and generated widespread condemnation.
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo subsequently ordered Daura’s removal as DSS Director-General, describing the deployment as unacceptable.
From intelligence to politics
Following his departure from the DSS, Daura remained a recognised figure within Nigeria’s security and political circles.
His reported emergence as Makinde’s running mate now marks a major shift from intelligence work to electoral politics.
The choice is expected to draw attention to Daura’s extensive security background, as well as the controversies that surrounded his time as Nigeria’s domestic intelligence chief.
If the ticket is formally confirmed, his experience in national security is likely to become a central part of the campaign narrative ahead of the 2027 presidential election.