Borno adopts Gubio as APC consensus governorship candidate

The political fracas between Kashim Shettima, Vice President, and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has been put to rest following the emergence of Mustapha Gubio as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus governorship candidate after extensive consultations among party stakeholders in the state.

Zulum stated this on Thursday while presenting Mustapha Gubio, the APC consensus governorship candidate, to Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to Zulum, the decision reflects a unified position within the party in the state.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as “strategic leadership, support and guidance” to both the government and the APC.
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“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, which has been unprecedented,” the governor said.

“I would also like to commend the President, who has been instrumental in the emergence of Gubio as the consensus candidate.”

Zulum also acknowledged the Vice President’s support in strengthening party cohesion in the state and for backing the consensus candidate.

He further appreciated the APC leadership at all levels, party stakeholders and the state’s residents for their support, prayers and steadfastness, which he said paved the way for Gubio’s emergence.

The governor had earlier unveiled Engr. Mustapha Gubio as his preferred successor on Monday after purchasing the party’s nomination and expression of interest forms for the 2027 governorship election under the APC platform.

Those in attendance during the presentation included former Governor, Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan; Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur; APC Deputy National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori; Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Mohammed Ali Ndume and Kaka Shehu Lawan; Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan; Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari; Abdulkadir Rahis; and Mukhtar Betara Aliyu.

Meanwhile, Kaka Shehu Lawan, Senator representing Borno Central, has stepped down from the governorship race to retain his senatorial seat after APC stakeholders endorsed Mustapha Gubio to run for the top job in the state.

The decision, according to sources, is aimed at strengthening unity and promoting political harmony within the APC in Borno State.

In the same vein, Kaka Shehu Lawan is set to retain his seat as the Senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District.