From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday in Abuja, anointed his immediate past Commissioner for Works and Housing, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, shortly after receiving a delegation that presented his purchased Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms for the governorship contest under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This development counters reports in some sections of the media claiming that the governor had “endorsed” Gubio as his successor.
The clarification was made on Wednesday in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Dauda Iliya.
According to the statement, receiving aspirants is a routine tradition among responsible leaders, aimed at offering blessings and prayers for success within a democratic setting. It added that Governor Zulum, as the leader of the APC in Borno State, not only received Engr. Gubio—who has indicated interest in contesting the governorship—but noted that he was also the first to obtain the Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms.
The governor also received other aspirants, including Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno for the Borno North Senatorial seat, and Hon. Bukar Talba, member representing Monguno/Nganzai/Marte Federal Constituency, who similarly presented their forms.
“Governor Zulum is a committed democrat and believes in inclusivity,” Iliya stated.
He further disclosed that during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday, April 25, at the Government House, the governor announced that another meeting would be convened to present the party’s candidates.