Borno senator drops gov bid, backs Zulum’s anointed candidate

In a significant political maneuver, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan has stepped down from his gubernatorial ambition in Borno State, throwing his support behind Mustapha Gubio, the candidate handpicked by Governor Babagana Zulum. This decision, formalized during a stakeholders' meeting in Abuja, signals a strategic consolidation of power within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

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At a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday night, which also had in attendance the Borno State Governor, H.E. Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; Deputy (APC National Chairman), Ali Bukar Dalori; Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari; members of the National Assembly; and the Borno Elders Forum, it was resolved that Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan was prevailed upon to step down his gubernatorial ambition to pave the way for the emergence of Engr. Mustapha Gubio as the APC gubernatorial candidate in Borno State.

The meeting, notably chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, also saw the attendance of Governor Zulum, APC National Chairman (Deputy) Ali Bukar Dalori, and other key political figures. The consensus reached was that Senator Lawan would relinquish his governorship bid to ensure Gubio's emergence as the APC's flagbearer. Crucially, Lawan is slated to retain his senatorial seat for Borno Central, a move designed to maintain his political relevance and influence.

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In the same vein, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan is positioned to retain his seat as the senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District.

According to Usman Alkali, Lawan's legislative assistant, the decision was driven by a desire to "strengthen democracy, ensure unity, and promote political harmony within the APC family in Borno State." This narrative of unity and democratic strengthening is the official line, presented as a collective agreement for the party's benefit. Governor Zulum, in a separate statement, presented Gubio to Vice President Shettima, emphasizing the unified position within the state's APC and commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his "strategic leadership."

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He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as ‘strategic leadership, support and guidance’ to both the government and the APC.

From a Borno perspective, this development is viewed as a pragmatic step towards party cohesion ahead of crucial elections. While Western media might frame this as a typical power play or a top-down imposition, for stakeholders in Borno, it represents a calculated effort to present a united front and avoid internal strife that could jeopardize electoral success. The focus remains on consolidating support for Governor Zulum's chosen successor, ensuring continuity and stability in the state's governance, a priority for many in the region.

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The governor acknowledged the Vice President’s support in strengthening party cohesion in the state and for his support of the consensus candidate.