APM VP candidate Daura calls for inclusive government and warns of opposition suppression

Daura urges inclusive government in Abuja

On 4 November 2026, Lawal Musa Daura, the vice‑presidential candidate for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), spoke in Abuja during the party’s manifesto unveiling. He called for an inclusive government that would bring together Nigerians from all political, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Daura warned that the current political climate was characterised by unfair competition and the suppression of opposition voices, which he said threatened the stability of Nigeria’s democracy.

Daura said the APM’s ambition for 2027 was to promote justice, fairness and genuine representation. He argued that opposition parties should be seen as complementary to the government rather than enemies, and that a strong opposition helps reduce political tension and strengthen democratic governance.

In a separate interview on Channels Television’s *Politics Today*, Daura explained that the APM’s proposal for an inclusive transitional government would reset Nigeria’s political, economic and security structures. According to him, the shift will unite chosen officials with other Nigerians selected based on competence to tackle the nation's deep-seated problems and lay the groundwork for long-term growth.

Background

The Allied Peoples Movement was founded in 2024 and has positioned itself as a platform for reforming Nigeria’s governance. Presented in Abuja, the party's platform stresses the need to overhaul the political landscape, noting that previous governments have neglected core problems stemming from the country's diverse ethnic makeup and the erosion of federalism.

Daura, who previously served as the head of the Department of State Services (DSS), pointed out that the First Republic successfully navigated diversity and differences to create a sense of national cohesion. He observed that later constitutional and national assemblies did not yield permanent fixes, as their proposals were either ignored or sabotaged by competing agendas.

The proposed transitional government would be inclusive, with decisions reached during the process forming the basis for subsequent administrations. Characterizing the present administration as broken, Daura contended that security issues have been exacerbated by political meddling and the preference for self-interest over the national good.

Why it matters

Daura’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria’s political climate is increasingly tense. He cautioned that democratic processes cannot flourish in an environment where rivals are denied equal opportunities and the populace is restricted from voicing their preferences. According to him, such an environment threatens the very existence of democracy.

The APM’s call for an inclusive transitional government is aimed at addressing the structural challenges that have plagued Nigeria for decades. By proposing a reset of governance structures, the party seeks to create a framework that would guide successive administrations and reduce the influence of personal interests on security and governance.

The party’s emphasis on merit‑based appointments and the inclusion of elected representatives reflects a broader concern that appointments based on personal relationships rather than competence can undermine national security. Daura’s critique of the politicisation of security management and the focus on military hardware and budgetary allocations underscores the urgency of reform.

What happens next

The APM has presented its manifesto to the public and is now seeking to build support for its proposed inclusive transitional government. No specific dates for the transition have been announced, and the party has not yet outlined a detailed timetable for implementing its proposals. The next steps will depend on the reception of the manifesto by the electorate and the political establishment.

The party’s stance on opposition and inclusive governance has attracted attention from other political actors, but the sources do not provide any statements from rival parties or the incumbent government. As the 2027 election approaches, the APM’s proposals may influence the broader debate on how to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and address long‑standing governance challenges.