Borno
Zulum Pushes Consensus Option Ahead of APC Primaries in Borno
Zulum Pushes Consensus Option Ahead of APC Primaries in Borno
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has urged aspirants contesting for elective positions under the All Progressives Congress in Borno State to embrace consensus as the preferred option for selecting candidates ahead of the party’s primaries.
The governor made the appeal on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Maiduguri, where party leaders and aspirants gathered to deliberate on preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The APC primaries are expected to begin on Friday, May 15, with House of Representatives contests, while the presidential primary is scheduled for May 23 in Abuja.
Mr Zulum said consensus remains the best strategy for preserving unity within the party and positioning it strongly for future elections.
He commended party stakeholders for their continued support and loyalty to the APC administration in the state.
“As we prepare for the primaries, I want to remind all aspirants that consensus remains the most viable option for our party in Borno State,” the governor said.
He, however, noted that the party would resort to direct primaries if consensus arrangements fail.
The governor also assured party members that democratic principles would be respected throughout the process, stressing that no candidate would be imposed on any constituency.
According to him, consultations among stakeholders should continue to ensure acceptable candidates emerge across the state.
Mr Zulum urged aspirants to remain committed to the party regardless of the outcome of the primaries, adding that those who fail to secure tickets could still benefit from future political opportunities.
He further disclosed that aspirants who voluntarily withdraw from contests may be considered for appointments and other opportunities at both state and federal levels.
To coordinate consultations across the state, the governor inaugurated zonal consultative committees for the three senatorial districts.
The deputy governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, will head the Southern Zone committee, while the APC deputy national chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, will oversee the Central Zone. Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno was appointed to coordinate the Northern Zone consultations.
During the meeting, Mr Zulum also formally presented Engr Mustapha Gubio as the party’s consensus governorship candidate, fulfilling an earlier commitment made during a stakeholders’ meeting held in April.
Speaking at the gathering, Mr Dalori and the APC State Chairman, Bello Ayuba, backed the consensus arrangement, saying it would strengthen party cohesion and improve the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections.
