Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has declared that he does not know who will succeed him when his tenure expires in May 2027, dismissing speculations that he is backing any individual for future political offices.
The governor made the clarification on Sunday evening while addressing a critical stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri.
Zulum stressed that his administration remains firmly focused on strengthening security and delivering meaningful development to the people of Borno State, rather than engaging in succession politics.
Addressing party leaders, elected officials and members, the governor reiterated his commitment to a fair, transparent and just process in the forthcoming APC congresses, noting that the credibility of the process was essential to the party’s unity and long-term success.
He strongly advocated the emergence of a fresh crop of party officials, urging stakeholders to allow new faces to emerge through a democratic process in order to deepen grassroots participation and inclusivity within the party.
Governor Zulum also firmly dismissed claims that he was attempting to influence the party’s future ticket or anoint candidates for elective positions.
“I have no candidate for any position, and I do not know who will succeed me. I have entrusted the choice of leaders to Almighty Allah, in accordance with the democratic will of the party members and the people of Borno State,” he said.
As part of efforts to strengthen the party, the governor announced the constitution of two committees to scale up APC e-registration and reconcile aggrieved members. A 10-man committee, drawn from the state’s three senatorial districts, will be chaired by a former Nigerian Ambassador to China, Baba Ahmed Jidda.
The meeting was attended by the Acting Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur; former Governor Maina Ma’aji Lawan; APC Deputy National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori; and State APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba. Also present were three former deputy governors — Ali Abubakar Jatau, Adamu Shettim Dibal and Usman Mamman Durkwa.
Others in attendance included the Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Senators Kaka Shehu Lawan; 10 members of the House of Representatives, including Dr Midala Balami, who announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan; his deputy, Engr. Abdullahi Askira; and 25 other lawmakers.
Former Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai, Dr Bulama Mali Gubio, as well as senior government and party officials, also attended the meeting.
