A coalition of the Borno South Concerned Citizens Forum (BSCCF), has unanimously endorsed Ali Abdullahi as the gubernatorial running mate of Engr. Mustapha Gubio in the 2027 general election in the state.

The forum said the endorsement of Abdullahi to become the Deputy Governor is in collaboration with the National Union of Southern Borno Students (NUSBS), representing nine Local Government Areas of south senatorial district.

Unveiling Gubio’s running mate on Sunday in Maiduguri, the National Chairman of the Forum, Bulama Sawa said: “We are here today to present our collective position on the choice of the next Deputy Governor of Borno State.

“After extensive consultations with community leaders, traditional institutions, youth groups, women organisations, professionals, students and other critical stakeholders across Southern Borno, the Forum in collaboration with the National Union of Southern Borno Students, has unanimously resolved to endorse Hon. Abdullahi Isa popularly known as Ali SEMA, for the office of Deputy Governor of Borno state.

He noted that the endorsement is neither a political favour nor an emotional appeal.

“It is the outcome of careful reflection on the qualities required to support the outgoing administration and contribute meaningfully to the continued development of our state.”

Besides the endorsement of Abdullahi, Sawa stated: “We are persuaded by Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa’s record of public service, administrative competence, humanitarian leadership, integrity and deep understanding of the needs of the people of Borno state.

He said For more than three decades, Abdullahi has served Borno State with dedication and professionalism.

The Chairman added that since joining the public service as an Audit Assistant in 1991, he has steadily advanced through the ranks, holding key positions, including Chief Administrative Officer (Audit), Assistant
Director of Administration at the Government House, Director of Research and Statistics at the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and later Acting Director General of the agency.

His career has coincided with some of the most difficult periods in the history of Borno State.

During the years of insurgency, humanitarian emergencies, floods and community rehabilitation, he played significant roles in coordinating relief efforts, overseeing humanitarian interventions, supporting internally displaced persons(IDPs), facilitating the return of displaced communities and ensuring that government assistance reached those most in need.

Those responsibilities also gave him an uncommon understanding of the state. His assignments took him across virtually every Local Government Area, allowing him to engage directly with communities, appreciate their unique circumstances and understand both their immediate concerns and long-term aspirations.
That experience has given him practical knowledge of Borno State that cannot be acquired from behind a desk.

We believe this background complements the developmental vision of Engineer Mustapha Gubio. While Engineer Gubio has distinguished himself through his commitment to reconstruction, rehabilitation and infrastructure development, Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa has built a reputation in humanitarian coordination, public administration and community engagement. In our view, these strengths are complementary and would provide balanced leadership capable of
sustaining and expanding the gains already recorded across the state.

Throughout his public service, announcement Abdullahi has earned a reputation for discipline, accountability and prudent 0management of public resources. His background as an auditor and administrator reflects a commitment to transparency and responsible governance. His appointment by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum as Acting Director General of SEMA further demonstrated the confidence placed in his ability, credibility and character.

Beyond his public service, Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa hailed from the respected
Miringa family of Biu Local Government Area, a family whose contributions to public administration, scholarship and community leadership span several generations.