Borno Stakeholders Endorse Deputy Speaker Askira for Senate, Citing Need for Power Rotation

In a significant political development within Borno State, stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) have thrown their weight behind Abdullahi Musa Askira, the current Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, for the Borno South Senatorial District in the upcoming 2027 general election. This endorsement signals a potential challenge to the incumbent, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, a long-serving legislator.

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We agreed that the seat should shift to Gwoza to give them a sense of belonging.

The move by the APC stakeholders is rooted in a call for power rotation and more inclusive representation within the Borno South Senatorial District. Sule Gambo, a prominent figure speaking for the group, invoked historical precedent, recalling the Second Republic when leaders from the Askira/Uba area supported zoning the senatorial seat to Gwoza for the sake of equity. Gambo lamented that this principle of rotation has been neglected since the tenure of the late Senator Mohammed Mahdi, with the seat remaining in Gwoza instead of circulating among other local government areas like Chibok, Damboa, and Askira/Uba.

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The senatorial seat is supposed to rotate among Chibok, Damboa, Gwoza, and Askira/Uba. Unfortunately, this has not been the case for a long time.

Supporters are rallying behind Engineer Abdullahi Askira, believing his candidacy will restore the principle of rotation. Beyond the issue of zoning, Askira is lauded for his tangible impact at the grassroots. Tafu Malla, a notable female politician, praised his initiatives in job creation, agricultural development, and empowerment programs, emphasizing his open-door policy and responsiveness to the needs of the less fortunate, particularly women seeking employment opportunities for their youth.

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By the will of God, the time has come for Askira/Uba. One of our illustrious sons, Engineer Abdullahi Askira, has shown interest, and we want to ensure the principle of rotation is upheld.

Adding another layer to his appeal, Hawa Mai-Musa, a retired Permanent Secretary, stressed the need for fairness and the utilization of Askira's professional and legislative experience in the Senate, especially as other zones attract federal projects. Askira's strong advocacy for the creation of the proposed 'Savannah State' has also made him a recognizable figure, with supporters believing his presence in the Senate would expedite the constitutional processes required for its establishment. This push for a new state, coupled with the demand for equitable representation, forms the core of Askira's senatorial bid.

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Askira maintains a genuine open-door policy and is always there for the poor, noting that women were particularly appreciative of his efforts in facilitating employment opportunities for youths.