Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, has clarified that he did not endorse his former Commissioner for Works and Housing, Mustapha Gubio, as his successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The clarification followed reports suggesting that the governor had anointed Gubio after receiving a delegation that presented his Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for the governorship race under the All Progressives Congress.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum explained that hosting aspirants is a routine practice by political leaders to offer support and prayers within a democratic system.
According to the statement, the governor, as the leader of the APC in Borno, has been receiving various aspirants, including Gubio, who recently obtained his nomination forms to contest the governorship seat.
Zulum also received other party contenders, including Mohammed Tahir Monguno for the Borno North Senatorial seat and Bukar Talba, representing Monguno/Nganzai/Marte Federal Constituency, who likewise presented their nomination forms.
The governor reiterated his commitment to democratic values and inclusivity, noting that all aspirants are being given equal opportunity.
He added that a stakeholders’ meeting held on April 25 at the Government House concluded with plans to convene another session where the party’s candidates would be formally presented.
