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The governor of Borno state, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima after Engineer Mustapha Gubio emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 elections in Borno State.
Speaking after the party’s affirmation ceremony in Maiduguri on Thursday, Zulum described Gubio’s emergence as an act of God rather than the result of a political conspiracy. He commended Tinubu and Shettima for ensuring a peaceful and consensus-based process.
“What we saw today is the will of Almighty Allah,” Zulum told delegates and party supporters. “Allah, in His infinite wisdom, gives power to whomever He wills.”
The governor said the smooth running of the APC primaries reflects the growing internal cohesion of the ruling party in Borno, one of the strongest bases of the APC in the North East.
“I want to express my deepest appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and my boss, Senator Kashim Shettima, for all the support that ensured the consensus that led to the emergence of Alhaji Mustapha Gubio,” he said.
Zulum credited both leaders with creating an enabling environment for rancor-free primaries and said their commitment to internal democracy strengthened party unity.
Gubio emerged as the consensus candidate after consultations among party stakeholders, political leaders and influential blocs in the state. The dedication ceremony at the defunct Kashim Ibrahim College of Education was overseen by the Borno APC Primary Elections Committee Chief, Emma Eneukwu.
Vice President Shettima, present in person, called for reconciliation and unity among party members. “There is no winner or loser in this competition. It is Allah who gives power to whomever He wills at the appointed time,” he said. He urged the aggrieved members to put aside their differences for the sake of peace, stability and the future of Borno.
The event attracted former governors Ali Modu Sheriff and Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan, APC North National Vice President Ali Dalori, State President Bello Ayuba, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and other party leaders and senior legislators.
In his acceptance speech, Gubio pledged to build on the Zulum administration’s achievements in security, reconstruction, education, agriculture and human capital development. He said his administration, if elected, would support efforts to rebuild communities affected by the insurgency and expand poverty reduction and youth empowerment programs.
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“I am especially grateful to my mentor and benefactor, Her Excellency Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for her unwavering support and mentorship,” Gubio said. He also thanked Tinubu and Shettima for their leadership in stabilizing the North East.
Gubio outlined plans for post-insurgency recovery and social welfare, including mega resettlement hubs for displaced people and refugees. He promised continued investment in education, job training, healthcare, rural electrification, water supply and agricultural expansion. He also promised zero tolerance for corruption and political violence, as well as the expansion of solar electrification and year-round agriculture.
Political observers say Gubio’s emergence signals continuity in APC governance in Borno and highlights Shettima’s enduring influence in state politics as reconstruction continues after years of Boko Haram insurgency.
