Borno deputy speaker withdraws from Senate race, endorses Ndume
In a surprising political twist, the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Musa Askira, has withdrawn from the race for the Southern Borno Senatorial seat, barely
In a surprising political twist, the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Musa Askira, has withdrawn from the race for the Southern Borno Senatorial seat, barely weeks after indicating interest in contesting the position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Askira, who represents Askira/Uba State Constituency and has served in the Borno State House of Assembly since 2007, formally announced his withdrawal on Thursday in Maiduguri, throwing his weight behind the incumbent senator, Senator Muhammadu Ali Ndume.
His decision has stirred political discussions across Southern Borno, particularly given the enthusiasm that greeted his recent entry into the race. Many political observers had viewed his aspiration as a potential challenge to Ndume, who has represented the zone in the National Assembly for over two decades and remains one of the most influential political figures in Borno State.
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Addressing journalists, Askira said his decision followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including a recent meeting with Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
"After wide consultations and deep reflection, and particularly following my recent meeting with the state Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, I have taken the decision to formally withdraw from the race in the best interest of our great party, the Southern Borno Zone, and Borno State at large," he stated.
He added, "In that spirit, I wholeheartedly endorse and pledge my total support for Senator Muhammadu Ali Ndume to continue representing Southern Borno in the Senate."
Political analysts believe Askira's withdrawal may have been influenced by the need to maintain unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Southern Borno, where a direct contest between two prominent party figures could have created unnecessary divisions ahead of the elections.
Askira called on his supporters across the nine local government areas of Southern Borno to accept his decision and rally behind Ndume.
He urged them to close ranks and work collectively to ensure the APC's victory in all elections in 2027.
With Askira now out of the contest, Senator Ndume appears set to seek another term with the backing of one of the zone's most prominent political leaders, further consolidating his position ahead of the party's primaries.
