Zulum, Shettima Rally APC Unity as Gubio Emerges Borno Governorship Candidate

Zulum, Shettima Rally APC Unity as Gubio Emerges Borno Governorship Candidate

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima over the emergence of Engr. Mustapha Gubio as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking shortly after the affirmation ceremony held in Maiduguri on Thursday, Governor Zulum described Gubio’s emergence as a divine arrangement rather than political manipulation.

According to the governor, the consensus process that produced Gubio reflected the will of God and the unity within the ruling party in Borno State.

“What we witnessed today is the will of Almighty Allah. Power comes only by His permission,” Zulum said while expressing appreciation to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for supporting the peaceful consensus process.

He also commended the leadership of the APC for creating what he described as an enabling atmosphere that ensured a smooth and rancour-free primary exercise across the state.

Before Thursday’s affirmation, Gubio had emerged as the party’s consensus candidate after consultations involving key stakeholders and party leaders in the state.

The affirmation ceremony was conducted by the chairman of the Borno APC primary election committee, Chief Emma Eneukwu, at the defunct Kashim Ibrahim College of Education in Maiduguri.

Addressing party supporters during the event, Vice President Shettima called on APC members to remain united, especially aspirants and supporters who did not secure delegate victories during the party process.

“There is no victor and no vanquished,” Shettima said, urging party faithful to put aside grievances and work together for the progress of Borno State and the APC.

Several prominent APC leaders attended the event, including former governors Ali Modu Sheriff and Maina Ma’aji Lawan.

The other dignitaries present included APC Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Dalori, APC State Chairman Bello Ayuba, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan.

Meanwhile, Gubio pledged to sustain and expand the developmental programs initiated by Governor Zulum if elected in 2027.

In his acceptance speech, the APC candidate promised to focus on education, youth empowerment, agriculture, and the reconstruction of communities affected by insurgency across the state.

He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima and Governor Zulum for their leadership and support, describing their roles as integral to the peace and progress currently being witnessed in Borno State.

Gubio further assured party members and residents that his administration would build on the achievements recorded in infrastructure, security assistance, and humanitarian recovery efforts across the state.