Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has ruled out influencing the choice of a deputy governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections. Instead, he said the decision would rest with the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate and key party stakeholders.
According to Daily Post, the Zulum running mate decision reflects the governor’s commitment to internal democracy and collective decision-making within the APC. He explained that although he has supported the emergence of the party’s governorship candidate, he will not dictate who should become the candidate’s running mate.
Speaking during a meeting with APC stakeholders in Maiduguri, Zulum stressed that selecting a deputy governorship candidate should involve broad consultations rather than personal preferences. He said such an approach would strengthen unity within the ruling party as preparations for the 2027 governorship election continue.
The governor noted that every major political decision should promote fairness and encourage participation from party leaders across the state. Therefore, he believes consultations remain the best way to avoid unnecessary disagreements.
Zulum also made it clear that he has no intention of forcing anyone into the deputy governorship position. Instead, he wants the APC governorship candidate to work closely with stakeholders before making a final choice.
According to him, consensus should emerge through dialogue and mutual understanding. He argued that allowing party members to contribute to the process would improve confidence in the party’s leadership and reduce internal tensions.
Furthermore, the governor urged APC members to remain united despite political differences. He said maintaining harmony within the party would be essential for achieving success in the 2027 elections.
The Zulum running mate decision also highlights his belief that leadership should encourage inclusion instead of imposing outcomes. He maintained that political stability is easier to achieve when party members feel their opinions are respected.
Meanwhile, Zulum reminded stakeholders that personal interests should never outweigh the collective goals of the APC. He encouraged party leaders to focus on strengthening the party and supporting decisions that promote peace and cooperation.
He added that transparent consultations would help build trust among party members while reducing the likelihood of disputes during the election period. As a result, the APC would be better positioned to present a united front before voters.
In addition, the governor assured party supporters that the selection process would remain fair and credible. He expressed confidence that the eventual running mate would emerge through agreement among those directly involved in the process.
The Zulum running mate decision comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum across the country. Several political parties have already begun consultations as they prepare for key nominations and campaign strategies.
Although discussions surrounding potential candidates are expected to continue, Zulum insisted that unity must remain the party’s top priority. He said political success depends not only on strong candidates but also on cooperation among party members.
His remarks reinforce his position that leadership should create room for consultation and consensus rather than unilateral decisions. For the APC in Borno, he believes that approach will strengthen the party and improve its chances in the next governorship election.
