Lawal Daura, vice-presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), has warned against attempts to manipulate the 2027 general elections, insisting that the process must comply with the law and the Electoral Act.
Daura, a former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), spoke on Tuesday at the inauguration of the National Campaign Management Committee (NCMC) of the Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO).
He urged political parties to win voters through credible candidates and programmes rather than attempting to influence the electoral process.
Daura noted that Nigeria’s registered voter population had surpassed 100 million and said the APM was targeting substantial support ahead of the election.
“For us that are in the political arena, it is something very, very important. What matters is that we are struggling to ensure we are courting the majority of these voters. And, of course, without anybody reminding us, we know it’s a herculean task. We are aiming to get nothing less than two-thirds of the 103 million,” he said.
He described the 2027 contest as serious and warned those planning to manipulate the election.
“Well, this time around, the struggle is for real. We are not going to let them escape with it. We must make sure that everything is done in accordance with the law and the Electoral Act. And for those who really want to rig, that they can pull a fast one, well, they have a surprise coming,” he said.
Daura said the APM’s objective was to “reset” Nigeria, adding that the task required people with “quality, focus, determination” and the resolve to succeed.
The campaign council’s Director-General, Felix Hyat, said the team comprised individuals prepared to confront the country’s challenges.
Hyat also urged young Nigerians to make political choices based on issues rather than religion, ethnicity or regional sentiments.
“You have to think, and think, you have a future. You are the one to protect it. Nobody is going to protect it for you,” he said.
APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle urged members of the campaign organisation to work with the party’s structures towards securing victory for the Makinde-Daura ticket and forming the government in 2027.
He acknowledged that disagreements could arise within the campaign but said the ability to manage internal differences would determine the strength of the organisation.
Dantalle also reminded the newly inaugurated committee members that their appointments marked the beginning of their responsibilities, not an achievement.
