In a significant political development, a former head of Nigeria's domestic intelligence agency has thrown his hat into the ring for the state's top job. Lawal Daura, the former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Katsina State.
Announcement and Rationale for the Bid
Daura made his political ambition public during an interview, as reported by Daily Nigerian. He stated that he has been engaged in extensive consultations regarding his gubernatorial ambition and will soon announce the political platform on which he will run. The former secret police boss pinpointed the primary motivation for his entry into the race as a profound dissatisfaction with the current administration's performance in Katsina.
He specifically highlighted the persistent issue of insecurity in the state as a key concern, alleging that the present government has failed to deliver adequate results. His declaration, made public on January 7, 2026, immediately set off a wave of reactions across the Nigerian political landscape.
Mixed Public Reactions Pour In
The news of a former security chief entering the political fray has generated a spectrum of opinions from citizens and observers alike.
Hon Nuhu Sada welcomed the declaration, framing it as a necessary call for change. "When insecurity persists, and governance fails to inspire confidence, citizens are right to demand a new direction," he commented. "Katsina deserves competence, courage, and solutions, not excuses. The people will decide."
Another commentator, O.P. JiRI, viewed the move through a strategic political lens, noting the early groundwork for the 2027 elections. "If you admired politics from the background for years, you saw yourself contesting. You were just waiting for the right moment. Lolz. 2027 is shaping up to be messy if people like Daura are already laying groundwork now."
However, not all feedback was supportive. Mustapha expressed a fundamental objection to individuals from certain sensitive government roles transitioning into politics. "There are government positions that if you hold, you're not supposed to be a politician, gaskiya, it does not make sense. Personally, I feel like it's a compromise to your personality and the nation," he stated.
Olufunsho Aluko was more critical, questioning the motives behind such political ambitions later in life. "Why can’t these people chop money, go low-key and enjoy their remaining years. Money is definitely a spirit that pushes a person. That’s how Emefiele felt untouchable and invisible. Money makes you feel ultimate."
Speculation on Party Affiliation and Political Impact
Despite Daura not yet naming his party, speculation is already rife. Nze Ndi Anambra projected that the former DSS boss would likely join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He argued that the ADC needs influential figures like Daura to stabilize and grow, suggesting a potential coalition of powerful candidates that could challenge the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the 2027 polls.
This early declaration underscores the intensifying political calculations and realignments ahead of the next general election cycle. The entry of a figure with Daura's security background into the Katsina governorship race is poised to make the contest particularly noteworthy, focusing national attention on issues of security, governance, and the revolving door between high-level security appointments and elective politics.
