From Security Chief to Political Contender: Lawal Daura Declares Gubernatorial Ambition

On the jagged tracks that is Nigerian politics, there are retirements, and then there are reinventions. For former spy chief Lawal Daura, the choice is now clear.

According to a January 2026 interview on DCL Hausa, Daura declared his intention to run for Governor of Katsina State in 2027. The former Director-General of the DSS stated that his consultations are complete, though he has not yet named his political party.

This move marks a profound metamorphosis. Daura, who led the domestic intelligence service from 2015 to 2018, admitted he never envisioned seeking office. He described his past political involvement as strictly from the “background.”

His declaration contained a pointed animus toward the incumbent, Governor Dikko Radda. Daura argued the administration has failed, particularly on security. He employed a vivid metaphor, suggesting a leader who finds the load too heavy should step aside to avoid “destroying fragile items.”

The security situation forms the swivel of his appeal. Banditry and terrorism have plagued Katsina for years. Daura frames his candidacy as a reluctant response to a call from “prominent indigenes” who see his expertise as vital for salvation.

However, his national record is a strong factor. He was sacked by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo in 2018 following the DSS siege of the National Assembly. That contretemps remains a defining moment. Analysts are divided on whether it represents damaging baggage or proof of a loyal operator.

Daura’s political alignment is the current mystery. Will he challenge within the ruling APC or join an opposition platform? This lacuna in his announcement is a strategic calculation, leaving rivals uncertain of his final vector.

Daura’s pivot is remarkable. He is transitioning from an enforcer of state secrecy to a seeker of public mandate. The man once tasked with watching politicians now asks them, and the electorate, for their votes.

The 2027 race in Katsina has gained a formidable, complex new entrant. The former security chief is betting that in a state under siege, voters will value a proven operator over a traditional politician. The campaign will test whether a career built in the shadows can withstand the glare of the spotlight.