2027: Gubio Enters Borno Governorship Race as APC Faces Likely Primaries

2027: Gubio Enters Borno Governorship Race as APC Faces Likely Primaries

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The political landscape in Borno State is gradually taking shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, as former Commissioner for Works and Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RRR), Engr. Mustapha Gubio, has formally declared his ambition by obtaining the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship nomination form.

Gubio’s early move is being interpreted by political observers as a signal that the ruling party in the state may abandon the option of a consensus candidate and instead conduct competitive primaries in Maiduguri, the state capital.

Sources within the party confirmed that the engineer-turned-politician recently met with Governor Babagana Zulum at the Government House to formally present his governorship aspiration. He was accompanied by Mohammed Tahir Monguno, the Chief Whip of the Senate representing Borno North Senatorial District.

Although Gubio appears to be the first aspirant to publicly take this step, insiders say the race is far from settled. There are growing indications that more than a dozen aspirants may soon obtain their expression of interest and nomination forms, setting the stage for what could become a highly contested primary within the APC.

Governor Zulum has consistently maintained a neutral stance on succession, repeatedly stating at public engagements that he does not have a preferred candidate to succeed him in 2027, adding that leadership ultimately rests in the hands of God and the electorate.

Meanwhile, key stakeholders across the state—including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and members of the organised private sector—are said to be prioritising continuity. Many are advocating for a successor capable of sustaining and expanding the administration’s ongoing socio-economic development programmes.

With political activities gradually intensifying, Borno’s 2027 governorship race is already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the region.