Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has officially endorsed his immediate past Commissioner for Works, Mustapha Gubio, as his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The announcement, confirmed on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Malam Dauda Iliya, immediately sets the stage for a potentially fierce contest within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Iliya described Gubio as the candidate best positioned to sustain and expand the administration’s development agenda across the state.
“Gubio represents continuity. He understands the vision of this administration and has the capacity to build on its achievements,” Iliya stated.
The endorsement was underscored by a symbolic photograph shared by the governor’s aide, showing Gubio presenting his expression of interest and nomination forms directly to Zulum. In the image, Gubio stood alongside the governor, the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and a group of loyal supporters—a public display widely interpreted as a clear show of political backing.
However, the move has already begun stirring debate within APC circles in Borno, with political analysts warning that it could deepen existing cracks in the party. Observers note the endorsement may not sit well with supporters of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is believed to wield significant influence in the state’s political structure.
“There are clear signs of parallel interests,” a political analyst in Maiduguri told reporters. “Both Zulum and Shettima appear to have preferred camps, and that could complicate party unity ahead of the primaries.”
The situation has fueled speculation of a quiet power tussle between the two political allies-turned-power brokers, with insiders hinting at growing unease between their respective camps.
Gubio’s entry into the race adds to an expanding field of aspirants within the APC, raising the stakes as the party prepares for what could be a highly competitive primary election scheduled to take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable.
Discussion about this post