Controversy sparks as Zulum endorses Gubio as preferred candidate
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has clarified reports suggesting he formally endorsed his former Commissioner for Works and Housing, Mustapha Gubio, as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has clarified reports suggesting he formally endorsed his former Commissioner for Works and Housing, Mustapha Gubio, as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The clarification followed widespread reports that Zulum publicly backed Gubio after receiving him in Abuja on Tuesday, where the aspirant presented his purchased nomination and expression-of-interest forms for the All Progressives Congress.
However, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Dauda Iliya, the governor maintained that he only offered prayers and blessings to Gubio, describing the act as “anointing” rather than a formal endorsement.
According to Iliya, receiving aspirants and praying for their success is consistent with democratic norms and should not be interpreted as official backing.
“The Governor is a committed democrat who believes in inclusivity and internal party processes,” the statement said, adding that Zulum, as leader of the APC in Borno State, regularly receives party members seeking elective positions.
The distinction has nonetheless generated debate within political circles, with observers noting that such gestures by a sitting governor often carry significant political weight.
Gubio, who was the first APC aspirant to purchase the governorship nomination form, is considered a leading contender in the race to succeed Zulum.
The governor also received other aspirants, including Mohammed Tahir Monguno and Bukar Talba, who presented nomination forms for various elective positions.
At a recent APC stakeholders’ meeting in Maiduguri, Zulum indicated that another session would be convened to determine consensus candidates for the 2027 elections.
Despite the clarification, political watchers say the line between “anointing” and endorsement remains blurred in Nigeria’s political landscape.
