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.

Tinubu’s Wife Launches N 17bn Community Food Bank to Fight Hunger in North-East

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has unveiled a N17 billion National Community Food Bank (NCFB) initiative aimed at addressing hunger and malnutrition across the North-East and other vulnerable parts of the country.

The project was launched in Borno State, where the First Lady described the initiative as a strategic intervention to improve food security, particularly among children and women.

“This programme is designed to confront the challenge of hunger and poor nutrition, not only in this region but across Nigeria,” she said at the event. “It is a privilege to begin this important assignment here in Borno, focusing on the wellbeing of our children and mothers.”

She disclosed that the intervention was approved by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who authorised the release of N17 billion through the Social Action Fund to support the programme’s rollout.

According to her, the NCFB initiative will establish food banks at the community level in all local government areas. These centres will be integrated with primary healthcare facilities supported under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, with technical collaboration from the Bank of Agriculture.

The First Lady explained that the programme would adopt a voucher-based system to deliver nutritious, locally sourced food to vulnerable groups, including children under the age of six, pregnant and breastfeeding women, orphans, and low-income households.

She added that the intervention is particularly targeted at communities affected by insurgency, where food insecurity and malnutrition rates remain high.

In his remarks, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, welcomed the initiative, noting that it aligns with ongoing efforts by the state government to tackle poverty, unemployment, and child malnutrition.

He said the programme would strengthen existing interventions and improve access to essential nutrition services for the most vulnerable populations in the state.

The NCFB is expected to serve as a nationwide model for community-driven food support systems, with a focus on sustainability, local sourcing, and improved health outcomes.

Tinubu Unveils Schools, Nurses’ Housing, Rolls Out Food Bank in Borno

Tada Jutha,Maiduguri

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday commissioned a series of landmark projects in Borno State, including newly built accommodation for health workers and two large-scale primary schools delivered by Governor Babagana Zulum.

The housing facility, situated near the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri, comprises eight blocks with six flats each. The apartments are fully furnished and fitted with air-conditioning systems, aimed at improving the welfare and retention of healthcare personnel in the state.

At the same event, the First Lady also inaugurated Aliyakeri and Abbaganaram Mega Primary Schools, both designed to accommodate large numbers of pupils. Each school features 48 classrooms, ICT centres, sports facilities, e-learning infrastructure and solar-powered electricity to support uninterrupted academic activities.

Speaking during the ceremony, Mrs Tinubu commended the governor’s investment in critical sectors, noting that the projects would strengthen healthcare delivery and expand access to quality education.

“What I have seen here reflects a strong commitment to the people. These investments will make a meaningful difference,” she said.

Governor Zulum’s administration has so far completed over 100 mega schools across the state, with additional projects ongoing in various communities.

In a parallel initiative, the First Lady flagged off the North-east National Community Food Bank Programme, a nationwide intervention spearheaded by her office to address hunger and malnutrition, particularly among children.

She explained that the programme targets vulnerable children under the age of six, ensuring access to nutritious food through community-driven systems. According to her, the scheme is being implemented in collaboration with key institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the Bank of Agriculture.

“The idea is to connect areas with surplus food to communities in need, while building a sustainable structure that supports families and protects children from malnutrition,” she said.

As part of empowerment efforts, Mrs Tinubu also launched a N200 million support package for 2,000 vulnerable women across Borno’s 27 local government areas. Each beneficiary is to receive N100,000 alongside a sewing machine to support small-scale businesses and improve household income.

The distribution covers 400 women in Maiduguri, 200 in Jere, 100 in Biu, while the remaining local government areas have 50 beneficiaries each.

She praised the state government’s commitment to social welfare, describing the intervention as a practical step toward reducing poverty and improving livelihoods.

In recognition of outstanding service, keys to new utility vehicles were presented to eight top-performing education personnel, including teachers and administrators.

In a separate gesture, Governor Zulum awarded a house to a long-serving ministry staff member, Baba Modu Fandi, acknowledging his years of dedication. The First Lady further supported him with a cash gift of N2 million.

Mrs Tinubu also urged spouses of governors in the North-east to rally support for the food bank initiative, stressing the need for collective action in tackling malnutrition and food insecurity across the region.