The vice-presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Lawal Daura, has said the 2027 elections must be decided without electoral manipulation.
Daura spoke on Tuesday during the inauguration of the national campaign management committee (NCMC) of the Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO).
The former director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS) said any attempt to rig the 2027 elections would be resisted, warning that those behind such plans “have a surprise coming”.
He also said Nigeria’s registered voter population has exceeded 100 million, describing the figure as an important factor ahead of the 2027 elections.
“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.
Daura said political parties seeking electoral support should concentrate on persuading Nigerians with their policies and the strength of their candidates instead of attempting to manipulate the process.
“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.
He said the party’s goal is to “reset” Nigeria, adding that achieving the objective would require individuals with “quality, focus, determination” and the commitment to succeed.
Felix Hyat, director-general of the campaign council, also said the campaign team comprises individuals prepared to tackle the challenges confronting the country.
Hyat called on young Nigerians to avoid making political decisions based solely on religious, ethnic or regional considerations.
“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,” Hayat said.
Yusuf Dantalle, national chairman of the APM, urged members of the campaign organisation to collaborate with the party’s structures in pursuit of victory, saying the objective is to secure the election of Makinde and Daura and form the government in 2027.
Dantalle acknowledged that disagreements could emerge within the campaign team but said its ability to resolve internal differences would determine its strength.
He told the newly inaugurated campaign committee members to regard their appointments as the start of their responsibilities rather than an accomplishment.