Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has disclosed that he anointed, not appointed, his former Commissioner of Works and Housing, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, as his likely successor.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by his media aide, Dauda Illiya, the governor stated that he only “anointed” Gubio during a political meeting in Abuja.
The statement, tagged “Zulum anoints, not endorses Gubio as his successor,” said the governor’s move was part of a usual political tradition.
The statement said, “It’s a usual thing for responsible leaders to welcome contesting candidates so they can pray for their success in the democratic process.”
Zulum noted that as the leader of the APC in the state, he also welcomed other candidates, including those running for Borno North Senatorial and House of Representatives positions, who equally submitted their nomination papers.
According to the statement: “Governor Zulum not only received Engr. Gubio, who has shown interest in running for the governorship position and was the first to obtain the nomination and expression of interest forms, but also received contestants for the Borno North Senatorial seat, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and House of Representatives member for Monguno/Nganzai/Marte Federal Constituency, Hon. Bukar Talba, among others.”
Illiya said that Zulum remains “a committed democrat who believes in inclusivity,” and noted that the governor had told stakeholders during a meeting on April 25 at the Government House that another session would be held to officially present the party’s candidates.
