Borno deputy speaker withdraws from senatorial race, backs Ndume

Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Askira, has withdrawn from the Borno South senatorial race, backing his main rival, Senator Ali Ndume, to clinch the ticket of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Askira’s decision was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Bilyaminu Ngulde, in Abuja.

The development followed what the lawmaker described as extensive consultations and appeals by stakeholders of the party in Borno South.

Ndume, a former Senate Leader, is seeking a return to the Senate for a fifth term if he secures victory at the 2027 polls.

The statement partly read, “I write to respectfully notify you that after extensive consultations, our great party, the All Progressives Congress, has decided to award Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume the party’s ticket for the forthcoming 2027 general election.

“Following these wide-ranging consultations, the party called on Hon. Abdullahi Musa Askira and requested him to step down in favour of the incumbent Senator, Ali Ndume. In the spirit of party loyalty and collective progress, Hon. Askira has graciously complied.”

Askira also urged his supporters across Askira-Uba and the entire Southern Senatorial District to rally behind Ndume.

“The seat of power comes from God alone. If Allah has decreed it for you, no one can change it. Since Almighty Allah has given them (the positions), let us all support them for the progress of our party and our people.

“For our supporters and media team, we sincerely appreciate your efforts, sacrifices, commitment, and dedication. Thank you all, and God bless you,” he said.

He further appealed for peace, unity, and understanding among stakeholders in the district.

With the development, the APC is expected to adopt a consensus arrangement to produce its candidate for Borno South, rather than conduct a direct primary.

The move reflects ongoing internal alignments within the ruling party as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.