Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday presented the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship consensus candidate, Mustafa Gubio, to Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The move comes amid ongoing political consultations within the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.
According to Daily Nigerian, sources indicated that Zulum declined to back candidates reportedly preferred by the Vice President, including Senator Kaka Shehu and the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari.
The development highlights an emerging contest over the APC ticket in Borno State.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Dauda Iliya, Zulum described Gubio’s emergence as the result of wide consultations among party stakeholders.
According to the governor, the decision reflects a unified position within the party in the state.
Zulum also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and leadership.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the leadership he is providing in the country and for the enormous support to Borno State as well as the APC,” he said.
He added that the President played a key role in the emergence of Gubio as the consensus candidate.
The governor further commended Vice President Shettima for supporting party cohesion in the state and backing the consensus arrangement.
He also appreciated party leaders and stakeholders for their support, which he said contributed to Gubio’s emergence.
Zulum had earlier unveiled Gubio as his preferred successor after purchasing the APC nomination and expression of interest forms for the 2027 election.
The presentation was attended by several party leaders and government officials, including former Governor Maina Ma’aji Lawan, Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur, and Senator Ali Ndume, among others.
