The Vice-Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, Alhaji Lawal Daura, has described the party’s presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as the most competent contender for the 2027 presidential election.
Daura said Makinde’s record of performance, transparency and accountability in public office distinguished him from other aspirants.
He also reiterated the Makinde-Daura ticket’s commitment to a four-year, all-inclusive transitional government of national unity, promising that the proposed administration would focus on rebuilding the economy, education, security architecture and socio-political structure.
According to him, the four-year government would prioritise national renewal, tackle Nigeria’s fundamental challenges and establish a foundation for sustainable governance through purposeful leadership and measurable results.
The APM running mate spoke in Abuja at the weekend when he received leaders of the Northern Patriotic Front at the party’s Presidential Campaign Headquarters. The delegation visited the headquarters to present an award to Makinde and formally declare its support for his presidential ambition.
Daura expressed appreciation for the support from the North, insisting that Makinde’s performance, national vision, productivity and service delivery placed him ahead of other presidential contenders.
The former Director-General of the Department of State Services urged Nigerians to look beyond ethnic considerations and assess candidates based on their records and contributions to public service.
He said, “I was happy when you said that you went to Oyo State and you have confirmed the quality of governance and unprecedented development by our Presidential candidate. So, I throw a challenge that anyone who is still doubting whether our candidate is the most competent to be elected as President should examine his antecedents and performance.
“Before venturing into politics and eventually becoming governor of Oyo State, he had established himself as a successful businessman and a man with considerable experience in finance.
“Beyond his personal integrity, we should also examine his record in public office. What has he achieved? Look at his performance. His transparency and accountability set him apart.
“We in Nigeria are confronted with enormous challenges, particularly poverty and poor governance. We cannot afford to continue supporting leadership without examining what individuals have done with the opportunities entrusted to them.”
Daura added that presidential aspirants must demonstrate accountability in managing public resources and show measurable contributions to the development of the people, noting that leaders with proven records of transparency deserved serious consideration.
He also praised the NPF for promoting people-centred democracy, urging political parties, politicians and other stakeholders to intensify public enlightenment to help Nigerians make informed electoral choices.
Reaffirming the proposed transitional government, Daura said the four-year administration would seek to unite the country, reform critical sectors and establish a sustainable governance framework to address Nigeria’s economic, security and socio-political challenges.
Earlier, the NPF President, Alhaji Ali Abacha, pledged the support of northern political stakeholders for Makinde, saying the region was comfortable with his candidacy, Reset Nigeria agenda and proposed four-year transitional government.
Abacha said Makinde’s performance in Oyo State had distinguished him as the most competent presidential candidate, adding that his governance record influenced the decision to support his ambition.
He also praised Makinde for selecting Daura, whom he described as a security expert, as his running mate, saying the choice reflected the ticket’s commitment to addressing insecurity.
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