Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has clarified that he has no preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election or the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) party congresses.
The Governor made this clarification during a critical APC stakeholders’ meeting convened at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri.
Addressing party leaders and elected officials including members of the National and State Assemblies, former governors, deputy governors, and party supporters Governor Zulum reiterated that his administration remains focused on strengthening security and providing much-needed development to the state. He dismissed speculations regarding a successor, stating that his primary concern is fulfilling his current mandate.
Governor Zulum urged party stakeholders to ensure fairness, transparency, and justice in the election of party officials during the forthcoming congresses. He emphasized that the integrity of the process is paramount for the party’s unity and future success.
Advocating for a fresh set of individuals to occupy various party positions, the Governor noted that the tenure of current officials has expired. He encouraged stakeholders to allow new faces to emerge through a truly democratic process.
To further strengthen the party, Professor Zulum inaugurated two committees to scale up APC e-registration and foster reconciliation among members. The committees are to be chaired by Nigeria’s former Ambassador to China, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, with members drawn from the state’s three senatorial districts.
In their separate remarks, former Borno State Governor, Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan; the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan of Borno Central; and Honorable Muktar Betara, alongside the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkareem Lawan, all lauded the developmental strides recorded under the Zulum administration. They assured the Governor of a smooth conduct of the forthcoming party congresses to enable the APC to consolidate its electoral successes.
Also speaking, the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Dr. Ali Dalori, and the State Party Chairman, Alhaji Bello Ayuba, commended Governor Zulum for his continuous support of the party and enjoined the people to remain steadfast in their support of the administration to enjoy more dividends of democracy.
RN
