The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday presented the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship consensus candidate, Mustafa Gubio, to Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The presentation comes as political consultations intensify within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Borno State, with key stakeholders positioning themselves early in the race.
Sources indicate that the development also reflects internal tensions within the APC, as Governor Zulum reportedly declined to back some other aspirants believed to have the support of the Vice President, including Senator Kaka Shehu and the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari.
According to a statement issued by Zulum’s spokesman, Dauda Iliya, the choice of Gubio followed wide consultations across party structures in the state, describing the process as one driven by consensus among stakeholders.
Zulum was quoted as saying the decision represents unity within the party and continuity in leadership direction.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to Borno State and his role in strengthening the APC.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the leadership he is providing in the country and for the enormous support to Borno State as well as the APC,” the governor said.
He further acknowledged Vice President Shettima’s role in maintaining party cohesion and supporting the consensus arrangement.
The governor added that party leaders and stakeholders played a major role in Gubio’s emergence as the preferred candidate.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including former Governor Maina Ma’aji Lawan, Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur, and Senator Ali Ndume, alongside other political leaders and government officials.
