Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has urged aspirants contesting elective positions under the All Progressives Congress in Borno State to embrace consensus as the preferred option for candidate emergence ahead of the party primaries.
Zulum made the appeal on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Maiduguri, describing consensus as the most effective strategy for preserving party unity and cohesion.
The governor stated that while consensus remained the party’s preferred approach, direct primaries would be conducted if stakeholders failed to reach an agreement.
“As we prepare for the party primaries, which commence on Friday, I want to remind all our aspirants contesting various elective positions that consensus is the best and most viable option for the party in our state. However, if we are unable to arrive at a consensus, we will go for direct primaries,” Zulum said.
He assured party members that no candidate would be imposed on any constituency, stressing his commitment to democratic principles and continued consultations among stakeholders.
Zulum also encouraged aspirants to remain loyal to the party, assuring those who may not secure tickets in the 2027 elections that future opportunities still exist. He added that aspirants who voluntarily withdraw from contests would be considered for appointments and other opportunities at both state and federal levels.
To support consultations across the state, the governor announced zonal consultative committees headed by Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur for the Southern Zone, APC Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori for the Central Zone, and Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno for the Northern Zone.
Zulum also formally presented Engr. Mustapha Gubio as the APC consensus governorship candidate to stakeholders, fulfilling a pledge made during an earlier stakeholders’ meeting in April.
Party leaders, including Ali Bukar Dalori and APC State Chairman Hon. Bello Ayuba, echoed calls for consensus, noting that it would strengthen party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting drew attendance from key political figures, including former Governor Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan, Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume and Kaka Shehu Lawan, lawmakers, party executives, and other stakeholders across the state.
