Former Borno State Commissioner for Works Mustapha Gubio has formally entered the race for the 2027 governorship of Borno State after securing the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination forms, which carry a total cost of N50 million. The forms were collected on his behalf in Abuja on Tuesday, marking the first official step by the ruling party’s candidates ahead of the party’s primary elections.
Gubio, who served as commissioner for works under Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration, was accompanied to the APC office by senior political figures, including Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, the northern Borno senator, and Representative Bukar Talba, who represents the Monguno, Nganzai and Marte federal constituency. Their presence underscores the support Gubio enjoys within the party’s hierarchy.
After receiving the nomination documents, Gubio confirmed the development on his social‑media platforms, thanking supporters and reiterating his commitment to the state’s development agenda. The event was also documented by Abdulrahman Bundi, senior technical assistant to Governor Zulum on new media and print, who posted photographs showing both the governor and Gubui together. Bundi’s accompanying caption read, “No comment, Allah’s choice is the best. Congratulations,” a statement that has been noted by political observers as an indication of goodwill from the incumbent administration.
The filing of the APC nomination forms initiates the internal contest that will determine the party’s candidate for the February 2027 governorship election. The APC, Nigeria’s ruling party, is expected to host a series of primaries across the country in the coming months, with aspirants positioning themselves for party endorsement.
Borno State will vote in the general elections scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The presidential and National Assembly elections are set for 16 January 2027, followed by the governorship and state assembly elections on 6 February 2027. The timeline provides a narrow window for parties to finalize candidates, campaign, and mobilise supporters ahead of the national polls.
Gubio’s entry adds a seasoned administrative figure to a field that is likely to include other former officials and emerging politicians. His background in infrastructure development could influence his campaign narrative, especially as Borno continues to grapple with reconstruction challenges after years of insurgency.
The next phase will involve APC’s internal screening, consensus meetings, and possibly contested primaries, depending on the level of agreement among party members. Observers will watch closely how the party manages candidate selection, given the strategic importance of Borno State to the APC’s broader electoral calculus in the 2027 general elections.
