Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has declared that he does not know who will succeed him after his 8-year tenure in office expires in May 2027.

The governor reiterated that his administration continues to focus on strengthening security and delivering the necessary development projects and programmes to the people across the state.

Zulum spoke on Sunday during a crucial All Progressives Congress (APC) Stakeholders’ meeting held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Government House, Maiduguri.

Addressing party leaders, elected officials and members of the APC, Zulum reiterated his support for a fair, transparent and just process for electing party officials at the party’s forthcoming congresses in the state.

He emphasised that the integrity of the process was paramount to the ruling party’s unity and future success in the 2027 general polls.

The governor, therefore, strongly advocated for a fresh set of credible candidates to fill the various party positions at the state and council levels.

Zulum urged the party’s various stakeholders to allow new faces to emerge through what he described as “a democratic process that strengthens APC’s grassroots political structure and the inclusiveness of the electorate”.

He, however, dismissed the speculation being peddled about his influence on the party’s future ticket to contest the gubernatorial election in 2027.

Additionally, he firmly and publicly reaffirmed that he had not anointed any candidate for the forthcoming party positions or for any elective candidature.

“I have no candidate for any position, and I do not know who will succeed me,” he declared, adding that he has entrusted the choice of leaders to the Almighty God and, in accordance with the democratic choices of the party members and the people of Borno State.

Consequently, Zulum has set up two committees to scale up the APC e-registration and reconciliation among the aggrieved party members.

The 10-member committee will be headed by Nigeria’s former Ambassador to China, Baba Ahmed Jidda, with other members drawn from the State’s three Senatorial Districts in the north, central and south.

The APC’s Stakeholders’ Meeting was attended by the acting governor, Umar Kadafur; the former governor of the State, Sen. Maina Ma’aji Lawan; APC’s Deputy National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori; State APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba; and three former deputy governors, comprising Ali Abubakar Jatau, Adamu Shettima Dibal and Usman Mamman Durkwa.

Other party stalwarts who attended the meeting included the Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno; Sen. Kaka Shehu Lawan; and 10 members of the House of Representatives, including Hon. Midala Balami, who announced his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the APC’s Stakeholders’ Meeting.

Others in attendance included Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai, Bulama Mali Gubio, and senior government and party officials across the State.