Borno gov did not endorse ex-commissioner for gov’ship — Aide

Reports circulating in the media suggesting that Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has endorsed his former Commissioner of Works and Housing, Mustapha Gubio, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election have been firmly dismissed by the governor's office. Dauda Illiya, the Special Adviser on Media and Spokesperson to Governor Zulum, issued a statement to clarify the situation, emphasizing a crucial distinction between an 'anointment' and an 'endorsement.'

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Zulum on Tuesday anointed Mustapha Gubio shortly after receiving a delegation that presented the purchased Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for the governorship contest under the ruling All Progressives Congress.

According to Illiya, Governor Zulum 'anointed' Gubio during a recent political engagement in Abuja, shortly after receiving a delegation that presented nomination and interest forms for the governorship contest under the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, Illiya stressed that this act was a routine political tradition of blessing and offering prayers for success in a democratic dispensation, and not a formal endorsement for the upcoming election. The statement, aptly titled 'Zulum anoints, not endorses Gubio as his successor,' aimed to correct the misinterpretation that has permeated some news outlets.

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Receiving contestants is a routine tradition of responsible leaders to bless and offer prayers for success in democratic dispensation.

Governor Zulum, as the leader of the APC in Borno State, consistently engages with various political aspirants. In line with this practice, he also received other contestants who presented their nomination forms. These included Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, vying for the Borno North Senatorial seat, and Hon. Bukar Talba, a member of the House of Representatives for the Monguno/Nganzai/Marte Federal Constituency. This inclusive approach underscores Zulum's commitment to democratic principles and ensuring a level playing field for all party members.

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Governor Zulum… not only received Engr. Gubio, who has indicated interest in vying for the governorship seat and was the first to obtain the nomination and expression of interest forms, but also received contestants for Borno North Senatorial seat, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and House of Representatives member for Monguno/Nganzai/Marte Federal Constituency, Hon. Bukar Talba, among others.

Illiya reiterated that Governor Zulum remains a "committed democrat who believes in inclusivity." He further noted that the governor had previously informed stakeholders at a meeting on April 25 that another session would be convened to formally present the party's candidates. Meanwhile, Mustapha Gubio, having resigned from his cabinet position, has indeed picked up the APC nomination form, signaling his intent to contest the governorship election. The clarification from the governor's office serves to manage expectations and uphold the integrity of the political process within Borno State, ensuring that the path to leadership is perceived as fair and transparent.

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Governor Zulum… remains a committed democrat who believes in inclusivity.