Borno Gov Zulum Presents APC Forms to Gubio

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum presented All Progressives Congress nomination and expression of interest forms to his former Commissioner for Works and Housing, Mustapha Gubio, in Abuja on Tuesday, describing the gesture as an anointing of Gubio as a potential successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

A statement from Governor Zulum's spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, issued on Wednesday clarified that the action did not constitute a formal endorsement. Illiya emphasized that receiving aspirants and offering prayers for their success is a routine political tradition among leaders supporting the democratic process. Zulum, who serves as the APC state chairman, has similarly welcomed forms from other contenders, including Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno seeking the Borno North senatorial seat and Representative Bukar Talba contesting the Monguno-Nganzai-Marte federal constituency seat.

Gubio was the first aspirant to obtain and submit the forms for the governorship race. He resigned from the cabinet prior to declaring his interest. Zulum highlighted Gubio's prior service, noting his own experience as former Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement. "I...