By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno, Nigeria, May 17, 2026(Series News Online)-
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has praised the peaceful conduct of the All Progressives Congress, APC, House of Representatives primaries held across the state.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday after overseeing the exercise for Gubio, Kaga, and Magumeri Federal Constituency in Magumeri town, Zulum said the process reflected the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
Hundreds of APC supporters from the three local government areas gathered at the venue to welcome the governor and other party officials.
“We are here to witness the primary election in line with the Electoral Act 2026 and the APC constitution, which allows for consensus arrangements among aspirants,” Zulum said.
He explained that three aspirants initially expressed interest in the ticket, but two withdrew to back the incumbent lawmaker.
“We had three contestants for the House of Representatives seat, but under the consensus arrangement provided in our party’s constitution, two aspirants stepped down for Hon. Usman Zannah,” the governor stated.
“The people of the three local government areas have affirmed their support for the consensus candidate,” he added.
Zulum congratulated Zannah on his emergence and commended the aspirants who stepped down, Hon. Shettima Shehu and Alhaji Mohammed Sanda Ngamdu, for their gesture.
“I extend my congratulations to the candidate and to those who stepped down for him,” he said. “I also appreciate all APC supporters and the people of Borno State for ensuring a peaceful process.”
The governor emphasized that the party’s consensus option was voluntary and did not restrict any member from contesting.
“Under the consensus arrangement, the Borno State government and the party have never stopped anyone from contesting,” Zulum explained. “It is a voluntary option, and any aspirant who does not wish to go for consensus has the right to participate in a direct primary.”
Chairman of the APC Primary Elections Committee for Gubio, Kaga, and Magumeri Federal Constituency, Hon. Yuguda Saleh Vungas, confirmed that stakeholders adopted consensus as the mode of selection.
He thanked Governor Zulum for creating an enabling environment for a smooth and peaceful exercise.
Through a voice vote, APC members from the three local government areas unanimously affirmed Hon. Usman Zannah as the consensus candidate. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and representatives of the APC national headquarters were present to observe the process.
Governor Zulum attended the event alongside the APC consensus gubernatorial candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio; Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; and acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe.
Tags
politics