Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima following the emergence of Mustapha Gubio as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking shortly after the affirmation ceremony in Maiduguri on Thursday, Governor Zulum said Gubio’s emergence was divinely ordained and not the product of political manoeuvring.

“What we saw today is the will of Almighty Allah. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, gives power to whom He wills,” Zulum said.

“I want to convey my deepest appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and my boss, Senator Kashim Shettima, for all the support they have rendered that ensured the consensus leading to the emergence of Alhaji Mustapha Gubio.”

The governor also expressed gratitude to both leaders for providing what he described as an enabling environment for a peaceful and rancour-free primary across the state, noting that their commitment had strengthened internal democracy within the APC in Borno.

Before the affirmation, Engr. Mustapha Gubio emerged as the APC consensus candidate following extensive consultations among key stakeholders.

The affirmation ceremony was presided over by the chairman of the Borno APC primary election committee, Chief Emma Eneukwu, at the former Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, Maiduguri.

In his remarks, Vice President Shettima, who attended the event, called for unity among party members, particularly those who did not secure the ticket.

“I want to commend the good people of Borno for the orderly conduct of all our elections. There is no victor, no vanquished in this contest,” Shettima said.

“As rightly stated by the governor, it is Allah that gives power to whomever He wills at His appointed time.
“I urge all those who may have lost out in the contest to sheath their swords for the good of our people.”

The event was attended by prominent political figures, including former Governors Ali Modu Sheriff and Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan, as well as APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori; APC State Chairman, Bello Ayuba; Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, among others.

They joined a large crowd of party supporters in witnessing the affirmation in Maiduguri.

Meanwhile, Gubio has pledged to build on the achievements of Governor Zulum, promising to prioritise education, human empowerment, agriculture, and the reconstruction of communities affected by insurgency, among other key sectors.

In his acceptance speech, he expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and Governor Zulum for their support and leadership in advancing peace and development in the Northeast.

“I wish to deeply express my gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his exemplary leadership and commitment to the development of Borno State,” Gubio said.

“I also thank our leader, Vice President Kashim Shettima, for his invaluable role in fostering party unity and his continued support since I emerged as the consensus candidate.

“I am particularly grateful to my mentor and benefactor, His Excellency, Prof