News broke that Yusuf Buhari emerged as the APC flag bearer for the Sandamu/Daura/Maiadua Federal Constituency with an overwhelming 5,849 votes, defeating Hon. Auwal Lawal Daura with 21 votes.
At first glance, the margin looked like solidarity and appreciation for the Buhari family in a town they’ve helped put on the national map. What made it more fascinating was the realization that Yusuf had contested against the son of former DSS boss, Musa Lawal Daura.
I’m not sure if Musa Lawal Daura is still alive, but I couldn’t help wondering how both fathers namely, Muhammadu Buhari and Musa Lawal Daura would have felt watching their sons face off in an election that even had a provision for consensus.
For context, former President Buhari appointed Lawal Musa Daura as DG of the DSS on 2 July 2015, shortly after being sworn in. The appointment drew criticism because Daura hailed from Daura, Buhari’s hometown, and was accused of APC ties. Regardless, he became a central figure in the administration’s security architecture for three years.
Seeing their children now contest against each other brought to mind something my mother always said. The context is different, but the lesson holds: the good understanding adults enjoy doesn’t automatically pass to the next generation. She would remind relatives to look beyond casual relationships and gentleman’s agreements, and to prioritize fairness, justice, and mutual interest if they wanted harmony to last.
That’s the point. Mutual understanding, loyalty, and friendship aren’t inheritable. The contest between the Buhari and Daura families is a clear reminder.
Bagudu Mohammed
