Zulum Anoints Gubio, Says He Did Not Endorse Him as Successor

By Abdullahi Alhassan,

 Borno, Nigeria, May 02, 2026(Series News Online)-Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has anointed his former Commissioner for Works and Housing, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, for the 2027 governorship race, but did not endorse him as successor.

The clarification was issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Special Adviser on Media and Spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Dauda Iliya, to address reports in sections of the media suggesting that the governor had “endorsed Gubio” as his successor.

According to the statement, Governor Zulum received Engr. Gubio on Tuesday in Abuja shortly after a delegation presented purchased Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms to the former commissioner under the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Iliya explained that receiving aspirants and offering prayers for them is a routine tradition of responsible leaders in a democracy.

“Receiving contestants is a routine tradition of responsible leaders to bless and offer prayers for success in democratic dispensation,” he said.

He noted that as leader of the APC in Borno State, Governor Zulum not only received Gubio, who has declared interest in the governorship seat, but Gubio was also the first to obtain the Nomination and Expression of Interest forms.

The governor also received other aspirants who presented their forms, including Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno of Borno North Senatorial District, and Hon. Bukar Talba, member representing Monguno/Nganzai/Marte Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

“Governor Zulum is a committed democrat and believes in inclusivity,” Iliya stated.

The spokesperson added that during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday, April 25, at the Government House, Maiduguri, Governor Zulum announced that another meeting would be convened to present the party’s candidates.