2027: Durkwa takes on Ndume, as ADC unveils three consensus senatorial candidates in Borno – THISAGE

The African Democratic Congress has confirmed its three consensus candidates for the Borno South, North and Central senatorial seats in the upcoming general elections.

According to the party, Alhaji Idris Mamman Durkwa has emerged as the candidate for Borno South Bulama Fugu Ibrahim (Borno North), while Babagana Zanna is for the Borno Central senatorial ticket.

This is because the opposition party conducted its gubernatorial primaries between three gubernatorial aspirants and other positions (House of Representatives and House of Assembly) on Saturday following failure to reach a consensus, where the collation of results is still ongoing as of press time.

The governorship aspirants are Alhaji Attom Muhammad Magira, Babagana Mamman Buhari and Rear Admiral Sanusi Kashim Ibrahim (Rtd).

The primaries and affirmation of candidates which were held simultaneously in the 27 local government areas of Borno were monitored and supervised by the 7-member election committee and the 3-member roll call committee.

The state electoral committee chairman was chaired by Mai Adamu Mustapha, while the

The secretary was Luka Tokwang Wakili.

Likewise, the 3-member appeals committee was to be chaired by Barr. Mohammed Sale Dukas, with the Secretary, Ka Malum.

Durkwa, a former federal permanent secretary and former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had fought against Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume in the last APC primary elections, just ahead of the 2023 general elections, but failed to secure the ticket.

Durkwa later defected from the party and is now a prominent leader of the ADC coalition in Southern Borno.

In his acceptance speech at the formal declaration and affirmation held on Saturday, May 23, 2026 in Biu Local Government Area, which was closely supervised by the 7-member electoral committee in the presence of electoral officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the nine local government areas of the constituency, Durkwa expressed optimism that he will “defeat his opponents, including the incumbent, Senator Ndume, in the next election”. Surveys 2027”.

His words: “I stand before you today with great honor to formally accept my unanimous support as the senatorial candidate of our great party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general elections in Borno South.

“First, I am indebted to Almighty Allah (God) for giving us the opportunity to witness this historic event.

“I wish to sincerely extend my deepest appreciation to all stakeholders and our supporters, too numerous to mention for your exemplary leadership, unwavering support and commitment to the progress, unity and development of our great party.

“I precisely remembered that most of us were here at Biu Summit Hotels about three weeks ago, where you collectively offered invaluable support with one voice and endorsed me as the consensus candidate.

“The meeting that day was not only about support but also about the theme: ‘Repositioning the ADC for unity, growth and electoral success in Borno South Senatorial District’.

“I am humbled by the overwhelming support and solidarity shown by our party leadership at all levels, traditional and religious leaders, elders, stakeholders, party supporters, youth and women groups, and indeed the entire people of South Borno, for the faith reposed in me to run as senator on the platform of our great party in the upcoming 2027 elections.

“I thank each and every one for finding me worthy to contest to change the bad narratives if given the mandate.

“This statement reflects the confidence that Southern Borno ADC stakeholders/members have continued to place in our collective vision to ensure progress, inclusion and development.

“I would like to reiterate that I am deeply humbled by the massive turnout of people in all constituencies of our blessed constituency,” Durkwa said.

Continuing he said: “It is not just about an individual; it is about our people coming together in unity to deepen democracy and build a stronger and more prosperous Borno South through good representation.

“It is no longer news that our people have suffered grave neglect orchestrated by poor representation in the National Assembly, resulting in Southern Borno continuing to suffer from lack of good roads and network connectivity, safe drinking water and other basic social infrastructure.

“Our area, recognized as safer even during the height of the insurgency, has now turned into a battlefield due to poor representation.

“Our innocent people, especially the resilient ones in Chibok, Gwoza, Damboa, Askira-Uba, Hawul and even Biu, are now leaving in fear and despair due to non-confrontational killings, kidnappings and destruction of hard-earned property by citizens. This is unacceptable and once elected as Senators, we will work closely with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our security agencies to do the needful.

“By the will of Allah, if given the mandate, we will collectively implement an open-door and inclusive policy. We will intensify efforts to address or nip in the bud the problem of insurgency and other forms of insecurity bedeviling our constituents.

“We will also press leaders to invest heavily in education and vocational training to further reduce the number of out-of-school children, combat illiteracy – particularly in rural communities – and equip our youth/women with skills for self-sufficiency and productivity, as well as give greater priority to agricultural empowerment to ensure food sufficiency/security.

“Furthermore, with your support and prayers, we will continue to support healthcare initiatives that ensure quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services for all our people, regardless of tribe, culture, ethnic or religious considerations.

“At this juncture, I would like to use this opportunity to thank each of you here today for taking the time and resources to honor this historic event.” Durkwa explained.

He therefore implored all and sundry to be committed and dedicated in this journey, so as to ensure that the ADC wins all elective positions from top to bottom across the state.

Earlier in his weekend speech, state party chairman Hon. Kolo Bukar, said the ADC under his leadership will continue to promote unity, adding that the party will give a level playing field to all aspirants who failed to reach a consensus to test their popularity in the primaries.

Also, addressing journalists shortly after unveiling senatorial and other candidates in Maiduguri, the party’s organizing secretary in Borno, Muhammed Bolori, said the ADC is confident of electoral victory at all levels.

He said: “We are gathered here today for the affirmation of our consensus candidates.

“For the senatorial post there is no competition. All three consensus candidates have been established. There is no opposition in this. We have reached a consensus,” he stressed.

Bolori further added that there are 25 unopposed candidates in the state Assembly.

“As you all see, we have nearly 25 state houses of assembly and seven houses of representatives. These are the unopposed consensus candidates.”

According to him, “the party has made all arrangements for the gubernatorial primaries scheduled for Saturday, May 23, we will have our gubernatorial primaries and the House of Representatives, the home of state assemblies, which includes Maiduguri, Konduga and Jere among others.

“For the House of Representatives primaries. We have the Jere federal constituency, and we also have the Gwoza/Chibok/Damboa federal constituency, as well as the Hawul/Askira Uba federal constituency.” Bolori said.

He, however, assured that the party has prepared itself as a solution to the challenges facing Nigerian society.

“We have 100% confidence in winning the elections, and we are very sure that the masses are with us, knowing how the situation in the country is today and people are looking for a party to come and save the situation. We are here for them.” He stated.