The vice presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, (APM), Lawal Daura, has said opposition coalition talks aimed at producing a consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 elections have been fast-tracked, expressing optimism that Nigerians will soon know the coalition’s position.
Speaking on Arise News in an interview on Monday, Daura said the coalition had adopted a three-level approach involving presidential aspirants, political parties and key stakeholders to facilitate an agreement on a consensus candidate.
Daura said the coalition had divided discussions among aspirants, political parties and key stakeholders to accelerate consensus, despite delays caused by competing presidential ambitions.
“Unfortunately, because of the insistence of some of the candidates trying to maybe reason as to why they should be allowed or considered, this has really slowed down the conversation.
“But recently, this conversation has been fast-track, and I think very soon Nigerians will know our position, and this position is definitely going to be positive because we believe coming together, rallying around, one person is what is going to make it easier for the opposition to take over government.
“The progress I would say for now is that instead of having an holistic approach at the initial stage, we now decided that it should be a little bit fragmented. That is to say, to some two or three different levels. At the levels of the candidates, then at the level of the parties, and then also at the levels of those active members who are very, very keen on having a consensus candidate or a candidate produced by the coalition.
“And in this regard, the agreement reached, or rather the reach at these various levels, will soon be tabled at a particular position so that at least there could be some kind of agreement. Because if there is an agreement at the three various levels, then suddenly having an agreement that will cover everybody and all the parties is not going to be difficult. And that is the stage we are in now.”
Speaking on economic growth claims by the Federal Government, Daura said the figures meant little without tangible improvements in Nigerians’ living standards.
“I agree, or rather we are in agreement, that the claims, as long as they are not felt by Nigerians, either they are incorrect, or they are deliberately false. If it is not, Nigerians would have felt it, would have seen it, and would have really live by it. That is to say the distress and the worries and the frustration that is almost written on almost everybody’s face wouldn’t be seen.
“So, that is the position. Two, the issue of number, of claims of our GDP, or no GDP, or growth, or no growth, is still just like storytelling. Because what is it that can be seen tangibly that has actually reflected those claims?”
On the alleged ₦250 billion owed to each state from NLNG funds, Daura said the figures were based on an audit report agreed upon by the Presidency and governors, challenging the Federal Government to explain its calculations publicly.
He said the coalition was awaiting a step-by-step explanation from the Presidency, insisting that its rebuttal was insufficient without evidence showing how it arrived at its figures.
“Before this issue was raised, there was an agreement with the presidency and the governors to set up an audit team so that at least they would know what they’re all talking about, and it should be the discussion should be based on facts.
“So in this case, they have just jump to say this is the response. But then, did they tell Nigerians how they arrived at that figure? And that was the challenge thrown back by our presidential candidate. The Governors’ Forum, all of them, it is like a conspiracy of silence, but they know and they believe it is correct. Because an action could have come from one of the governors.”
“I think our presidential candidate and his coalition are still waiting for the presidency to put forward for public consumption, how they arrived at that figure, not just putting down all the claims cannot be denied, really, or whatever number or figure of money. But let it be explained step-by-step until they arrive at what they are refuting.”
Daura maintained that the coalition stood by the allegation, describing it as a major scandal and urging the government to publish the relevant figures for public scrutiny.
“Definitely we stand by the story. And like I said, if there is anything contrary, they should just react to what our presidential candidate said. Let them publish the figures covering the period and then to show that there is nothing like the figure that he claimed. And if they refuse to put it to the public for their consumption and discussion, then definitely there is more to the issue.
“Of course, it is a very big scandal. Those that are having the responsibility to defend or explain government position on very vital national issues should actually take the challenge and do exactly like our presidential candidate meant. Stay on the story and let them come up and publish the details for the public to see.”
Turning to the APM’s plans if the G-100 fails to produce a consensus candidate, Daura said the party would continue its presidential ambition while advocating an inclusive transitional government to reset the country.
“The APM is determined to continue the journey until its very end.
“But having gotten the idea that, look, the more united, the stronger, and the more the chances of defeating government. Now, it’s a good idea, why not? Nigerians, we have, looked at the problems with this country for many years since independence, and we came to the conclusion, that is my principal, my presidential candidate and myself, that the only way or one of the most surest way of getting this problem resolved is by resetting the nation.
“Resetting the nation in the economic sphere, in the educational sphere, in the socio-political sphere, and security.”
Addressing criticism that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde could undermine opposition unity by opposing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, Daura urged Nigerians to hear both sides, saying Makinde’s position must be understood in the context of what went wrong in their political relationship and the broader disagreements over Nigeria’s political direction.
“I think, uh, whatever you said might be the perception of people, I think it’s a little bit early and I wouldn’t say completely wrong, but it’s early. Let them know all the facts.
“And for somebody to agree to something, and then suddenly or after some time, you see him backing out of it, it is only fair to find out what happened or what went wrong.
“So, I will plead that you wait a little. Probably, if we are not able to agree or accept the reality of whatever the situation is, maybe Nigerians will hear the truth, will know the truth, and then they will know where to lay the blame.
“But again, this is a question that should be responded by two sides, because if someone is being alleged or accused of something, then the other person should be asked, ‘What happened that this your close partner now is trying to back out or has backed out of your partnership?’ I think the question should be directed at the two sides.
“But on the side of our presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, I think he has all his facts, he has made explanations, he has even made presentation to back it up, and I’m convinced. But then, by the time the other person responds, and then let’s compare the two claims, then probably we’ll know where to lay the allegation.”
Dismissing claims of a massive pro-Tinubu turnout in Kaduna, Daura alleged that attendees were paid to appear at the event and said the heavy security presence undermined democratic freedoms.
“My answer is no. There was no such a resounding turn out. One, people were recruited and paid to show their faces. Huge amounts of money was paid out to them. And then, of course, a lot of them have taken the money, but refused to really give their support.”
He further alleged that the state was heavily militarised, with armed security personnel guarding billboards, and argued that such an environment was incompatible with free and fair democratic participation.
“For the first time in the history of Nigerian politics, billboards are being guarded by armored tanks. Billboards are being guarded by armed security agencies. This is not really a free environment, where a democracy can only thrive in an environment that is free, an environment where a level playing field has been created, an environment where people are allowed to express their feelings and opinions the way they perceive them.
“But in a swift situation where the whole state was militarized, that is to say the least, it can never be democracy. And that’s exactly what happened in Kaduna.”
Favour Odima
Follow us on:
