Lawal Daura Critiques Buhari's Administration, Blames Sycophants for Failures

Former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura, has openly criticized the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, attributing its failings to those he describes as sycophants. In an interview aired on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Daura, who is now the vice-presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), expressed his belief that individuals surrounding Buhari betrayed the trust placed in them, ultimately weakening the government.

Daura challenged the narrative that Buhari's presidency was the worst in Nigeria's history, urging critics to reflect on the political timeline from 1995 to 2023. He stated, “Yes, they can say it, but I also want them, the real students of history, to go back from 1995 to 2023, when he exited, and find out which were the worst years. I wasn’t part of the government then,” highlighting the complexity of Nigeria’s political history.

Reflecting on his time as the head of the DSS, Daura emphasized his commitment to protecting Buhari’s administration, claiming that the deterioration began after he left office in 2018. “Everything started to give way after 2018 since I left office,” he remarked, indicating a significant shift in the administration's dynamics post his tenure.

Furthermore, Daura maintained that he was aware of the activities of those around Buhari, asserting that he stood by the former president during his time in service. He also dismissed allegations of belonging to a cabal that influenced Buhari’s decisions, stating, “I know the details of what they have done,” which suggests a deeper insight into the internal workings of the government.