Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized Seyi Makinde, the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), for selecting Lawal Daura as his running mate in the 2027 presidential election. Olayinka highlighted Daura’s controversial past, particularly his removal from office as Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) by former Acting President Yemi Osinbajo in 2018. The criticism centers on Daura’s role during an unauthorized security operation that led to the blockade of the National Assembly complex by masked operatives, a move that drew national outrage and prompted Osinbajo’s intervention.
Osinbajo, who served as Acting President multiple times under President Muhammadu Buhari, first assumed the role on February 5, 2016, when Buhari went on a short vacation. He later took over again during Buhari’s medical leaves, including from January 2017 and from May 7 to August 19, 2017. It was during one of these periods that Osinbajo acted decisively to stop Daura’s actions. On August 7, 2018, Osinbajo officially sacked Daura from his position as DSS DG following the unlawful siege of the National Assembly, which violated constitutional norms and democratic processes.
In a post on X, Olayinka reminded Nigerians of Daura’s history, writing: “Una remember this man? He is Lawal Daura, the former DSS Director-General. As DG DSS under Buhari’s government, Lawal Daura tried to sack the National Assembly until Osinbajo, who was acting President then, blocked and later sacked him.” He further mocked Makinde’s choice, referring to him as “Ibadan Gomina General” and suggesting that the alliance between Makinde and Daura reflects a shared political ideology. “That’s the man Ibadan Gomina General, Seyi Makinde picked as his running mate to contest for the president of Iwo Road and Bodija,” he added, using regional references to underscore the perceived localism of their campaign.
Olayinka concluded with a proverbial jab: “Sebi it is birds of the same feather that flock together nah,” implying that Makinde’s selection of Daura reveals a pattern of associating with individuals linked to authoritarian practices. The comment has sparked debate across social media platforms, with supporters of Makinde defending the choice as strategic, while critics echo Olayinka’s concerns about accountability and democratic values. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, such endorsements and criticisms will likely shape public perception of candidates’ integrity and leadership capabilities.
Leave a Comment