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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled its three consensus candidates for the senatorial seats in Borno State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party affirmed Alhaji Idris Mamman Durkwa as its candidate for Borno South Senatorial District, Bulama Fugu Ibrahim for Borno North, and Babagana Zanna for Borno Central.
The development came as the opposition party conducted gubernatorial, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly primaries across the state on Saturday following failed consensus arrangements for some positions. Collation of results for the governorship primary was still ongoing at press time.
The gubernatorial aspirants include Alhaji Attom Muhammad Magira, Babagana Mamman Buhari, and Rear Admiral Sanusi Kashim Ibrahim (Rtd).
The exercises were held simultaneously across the 27 local government areas of the state under the supervision of a seven-member electoral committee and a three-member appeals committee.
Mai Adamu Mustapha chaired the electoral committee, while Luka Tokwang Wakili served as secretary. Barrister Mohammed Sale Dukas headed the appeals committee, with Ka Malum as secretary.
Durkwa, a former Federal Permanent Secretary and ex-member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is expected to face incumbent Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume in the 2027 senatorial election.
He had previously contested against Ndume during the APC primaries ahead of the 2023 elections but failed to secure the party’s ticket before later defecting to the ADC, where he has become a leading figure in Southern Borno politics.
Speaking during his formal declaration and affirmation ceremony held in Biu on Saturday, Durkwa expressed confidence that the ADC would defeat its opponents in the forthcoming polls.
“I stand before you today with great honour to formally accept my unanimous endorsement as the senatorial candidate of our great party, the African Democratic Congress, for the 2027 general elections in Borno South,” he said.
He thanked party stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, youths, women groups, and supporters across the constituency for their confidence in his candidacy.
Durkwa said the endorsement reflected the collective desire of the people for progress, inclusion, and better representation.
According to him, Southern Borno has suffered years of neglect, poor infrastructure, insecurity, and inadequate representation at the National Assembly.
He lamented the worsening security situation in parts of the zone, including Chibok, Gwoza, Damboa, Askira-Uba, Hawul, and Biu, pledging to work with relevant authorities to address insecurity if elected.
The ADC candidate also promised to focus on education, youth and women empowerment, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructural development.
“We shall operate an open-door policy with inclusivity and intensify efforts aimed at tackling insurgency and other forms of insecurity affecting our people,” Durkwa stated.
He further called on party members and supporters to remain united and committed to ensuring victory for the ADC in all elective positions across the state.
Earlier, the Borno State Chairman of the ADC, Hon. Kolo Bukar, said the party remained committed to internal democracy and unity, assuring aspirants of a level playing field where consensus could not be reached.
Also speaking, the party’s Organising Secretary in the state, Muhammed Bolori, said the ADC was optimistic of winning elections at all levels in Borno.
“For the senatorial positions, there was no contest. All three candidates emerged through consensus,” Bolori said.
He disclosed that 25 State House of Assembly candidates and several House of Representatives candidates also emerged unopposed through consensus arrangements.
Bolori added that the party had positioned itself as a credible alternative capable of addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges.
“We have 100 percent confidence in winning the elections because Nigerians are looking for a party that can salvage the current situation in the country,” he said.
