2027: Zulum Says Gubio Will Decide APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Borno

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has clarified that the choice of the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election will be made by the party’s governorship candidate, Mustapha Gubio.

The governor made the statement during a visit to the palace of the Emir of Biu in Biu Local Government Area, where he disclosed that Gubio is expected to unveil his running mate next week.

Zulum revealed that about 27 aspirants have expressed interest in becoming the APC’s deputy governorship candidate, describing the large number of contenders as a sign of confidence in the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Despite the growing interest, the governor stressed that the final decision rests solely with Gubio. He explained that while he and other APC stakeholders would offer guidance during the selection process, they would not impose a candidate on the party’s flagbearer.

According to Zulum, the choice of a running mate should be based on competence, fairness and the overall interest of Borno State, rather than ethnic, sectional or political considerations.

He also appealed to residents of the state to pray for wisdom and a peaceful process that would produce the most suitable deputy governorship candidate for the party.

Reflecting on his own emergence as governor, Zulum recalled that although he received advice from the then-Governor Kashim Shettima while selecting his running mate, the final decision was his to make.

He said the experience reinforces the principle that governorship candidates should be allowed to freely choose their deputies without external imposition, while benefiting from the counsel of party leaders and stakeholders.