​Zulum denies endorsing successor for Borno governorship

Babagana Zulum, the Borno State Governor, has clarified that he has not endorsed the immediate past Works and Housing Commissioner, Mustapha Gubio, as his successor for the state’s governorship seat.

​The clarification was issued on Wednesday in a statement by Media and Spokesperson Special Adviser Mallam Dauda Iliya. The statement refuted reports of an endorsement, explaining that while the governor offered a blessing, he did not anoint a successor.

​Routine tradition of blessing contestants

Babagana Zulum on Tuesday in Abuja met with Gubio shortly after the former commissioner received purchased nomination and expression of interest forms for the governorship contest under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

​”Receiving contestants is a routine tradition of responsible leaders to bless and offer prayers for success in a democratic dispensation,” Iliya said. He noted that Zulum, as the leader of the APC in Borno State, received Gubio as he would any other candidate indicating interest in the seat.

​Governor Zulum also received other contestants, including Borno North Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno and House of Representatives member Bukar Talba, who represents the Monguno/Nganzai/Marte Federal Constituency.

​”Governor Zulum is a committed democrat and believes in inclusivity,” Iliya said. The governor announced during a stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday 25 April that another meeting would be convened to formally present the party’s candidates.