Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has announced that he “anointed” rather than formally appointed his former Commissioner of Works and Housing, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, as a likely successor to the governorship. The clarification was issued on Wednesday in a statement signed by the governor’s media aide, Dauda Illiya.
The statement, titled “Zulum anoints, not endorses Gubio as his successor,” indicates that the governor’s endorsement was made during a political gathering in Abuja. Zulum described the act as part of a “usual political tradition” in which responsible leaders welcome aspirants and pray for their success in the democratic process.
According to the release, Zulum—as the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC)—has also received nominations from other candidates contesting seats in the upcoming elections. These include Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, seeking the Borno North senatorial seat, and Hon. Bukar Talba, contesting the House of Representatives seat for the Monguno‑Nganzai‑Marte federal constituency.
The statement notes that Engr. Gubio was the first aspirant to submit the required nomination and expression of interest forms for the governorship. While Zulum “receives” Gubio and other contenders, he stops short of a formal endorsement, emphasizing his commitment to an inclusive, democratic process.
Illiya affirmed Zulum’s stance as “a committed democrat who believes in inclusivity.” He further reported that the governor told party stakeholders at a meeting on April 25 in the Government House that an additional session would be convened to officially present the party’s candidates.
The clarification arrives as the APC prepares to finalize its ticket for the 2027 general elections. By distinguishing anointment from endorsement, Zulum appears to be maintaining procedural neutrality while acknowledging early interest from Gubio and other aspirants. The forthcoming candidate presentation is expected to shape the party’s lineup for the governor, senatorial, and house seats in Borno State, setting the stage for the next electoral cycle.
