Royal Backing Grows for Borno APC Gubernatorial Candidate Ahead of 2027 Elections

By Abdullahi Alhassan
















BORNO - Traditional institutions in Borno State have thrown their weight behind the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Mustapha Idrissa Timta, on Sunday led a high-powered delegation of traditional rulers, political leaders and stakeholders from the Gwoza Emirate to the Government House in Maiduguri to declare support for Engineer Mustapha Gubio and his running mate, Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi.

The visit came less than 24 hours after the Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, led 27 District Heads and other stakeholders from the Biu Emirate on a similar solidarity visit to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

Addressing Governor Zulum, the Emir of Gwoza said the delegation was at the Government House to appreciate the choice of the APC candidates and to reaffirm the unity of the Gwoza people behind them.

“Your Excellency, we are here at the Government House to show our solidarity and respect for the Governor for choosing Engineer Mustapha Gubio and Ali Isa Abdullahi as APC governorship candidate and his running mate,” the Emir said.

Alhaji Timta described both Engineer Gubio and Hon. Abdullahi as competent leaders capable of sustaining the state’s development trajectory. 

He recalled that Engineer Gubio worked closely with Governor Zulum during his tenure as Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, RRR, and that their collaboration contributed significantly to the resettlement of several communities, including Gwoza town.

The royal father also commended the nomination of Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi, describing him as a hardworking, dedicated and competent leader worthy of the confidence reposed in him.

“The people of Gwoza are united in their support for the APC governorship candidate and his deputy. We have confidence in their capacity to deliver,” he added.

In his response, Governor Zulum expressed gratitude to the Emir and the entire Gwoza delegation for the show of solidarity. He described the visit as a demonstration of unity and confidence in the party’s candidates.

“Your visit is a clear indication that our deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi, is a person of proven integrity and enjoys the confidence of his people,” Governor Zulum said.

The Governor said the emergence of Engineer Mustapha Gubio and Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi was by divine providence. He urged leaders and supporters to remain united and continue praying for the success of the APC in 2027.

“The emergence of Engineer Mustapha Gubio and Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi is by the will of Almighty Allah. Power belongs to Allah, and He gives it to whom He wills at the appointed time. I urge everyone to rally round and pray for their success,” he said.

Governor Zulum also announced new government projects for Gwoza. He said the state government would construct a befitting school on the site of the former IDP camp in the area.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resettling the remaining communities affected by insurgency.

“The evacuation of IDPs has commenced in earnest and will soon be completed. We will construct a befitting school on the premises and ensure the resettlement of the remaining communities,” the Governor assured.

The meeting was attended by the APC Governorship Candidate, Engineer Mustapha Gubio; his running mate, Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi; Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume, Borno South, and Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan, Borno Central; members of the House of Representatives, Abdulkadir Rahis and Engineer Bukar Talba; APC State Chairman, Alhaji Bello Ayuba; and other party leaders.