2027: Zulum says consensus remains the preferred option for APC primaries in Borno

By Ndahi Marama

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has urged candidates and party stakeholders to adopt a consensus approach for selecting APC nominees ahead of the upcoming primaries.

The APC primaries will begin on Friday, 15 May, starting with the House of Representatives contests, and will conclude on Saturday, 23 May, with the presidential primaries.

During a critical stakeholders’ meeting at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri on Thursday, Governor Zulum emphasized that consensus remains the most viable way to strengthen party unity.

“Let me start by appreciating all our stakeholders for the support and commitment to advancing the course of our great party, APC, and our administration,” Zulum said.

“As we prepare for the party primaries, which will commence on Friday, I want to remind all our aspirants contesting various elective positions that consensus is the best and most viable option for the party in our state. However, if we are unable to arrive at a consensus, we will go for direct primaries,” he added.

The governor also stressed his commitment to democratic principles, assuring stakeholders that no candidate would be imposed on any constituency.

“As a democrat, I will not force any candidate on a particular constituency, but rather encourage us to continue consultations with stakeholders for consensus candidates to emerge,” Zulum stated.

He urged aspirants to reflect on past experiences, look ahead to better opportunities, and maintain party loyalty, noting that those who may not secure tickets in the 2027 elections could still have future chances.

Governor Zulum announced that aspirants who voluntarily withdraw from contests would be considered for appointments and other opportunities at both the federal and state levels.

To facilitate consultations across the state, the governor established zonal consultative committees led by Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur for the Southern Zone, APC Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori for the Central Zone, and Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno for the Northern Zone.

During the meeting, Governor Zulum formally presented the APC consensus governorship candidate, Mustapha Gubio, to stakeholders, fulfilling a promise made at the high‑level stakeholders’ meeting on 25 April.

APC Deputy National Chairman Hon Ali Bukar Dalori and State Chairman Hon. Bello Ayuba reiterated the need for consensus as the method for primary elections in the state, emphasizing that it would strengthen cohesion and unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The gathering was attended by prominent figures, including Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, APC consensus gubernatorial candidate Engr Mustapha Gubio, APC Deputy National Chairman (North) Hon Ali Bukar Dalori, former Governor and Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan, Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Mohammed Ali Ndume, and Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN, serving and former members of the House of Representatives, APC state chairman, former Nigerian Ambassador to China Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, and other members of the House.

Other attendees included the Secretary to the State Government, the acting Chief of Staff, the Commissioner’s designate, Special Advisers, Local Government Chairmen, APC party executives, and additional stakeholders.

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