Babagana Umara Zulum endorses Mustapha Gubio as preferred successor
Move raises concerns over divisions within All Progressives Congress amid 2027 race
Independent National Electoral Commission timetable sets stage for competitive primaries
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has formally backed his former Commissioner for Works, Mustapha Gubio, as his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election, a development that is already stirring political tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
The endorsement was confirmed on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, who described Gubio as a natural successor capable of sustaining the administration’s policies and development agenda.
READ ALSO: Zulum mourns victims of Ngoshe attack, vows rescue of abducted residents
“Gubio represents continuity. He understands the vision of this administration and has the capacity to build on its achievements,” Iliya said.
The announcement followed a symbolic moment in which Gubio presented his expression of interest and nomination forms to the governor, in the presence of key party figures including Mohammed Tahir Monguno.
The gathering has been widely interpreted as a public endorsement and consolidation of support within Zulum’s political camp.
However, the development has triggered unease within APC circles in Borno State, with analysts warning that the move could deepen existing divisions ahead of party primaries.
Observers say the endorsement may clash with the political influence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose supporters are believed to hold significant sway in the state’s political structure.
“There are clear signs of parallel interests,” a political analyst in Maiduguri said. “Both Zulum and Shettima appear to have preferred camps, and that could complicate party unity ahead of the primaries.”
The situation has fuelled speculation of a growing power struggle between key actors within the party, raising concerns about cohesion as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
Gubio’s entry adds to a widening field of aspirants within the APC, setting the stage for what could be a keenly contested primary in the state.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission has outlined key dates for the 2027 general elections, with party primaries scheduled between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Presidential and National Assembly elections are expected to hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls are slated for February 6, 2027.
Campaigns for federal elections will commence on August 19, 2026, followed by governorship campaigns on September 9, signalling the beginning of heightened political activity nationwide.
