2027: ‘I won’t impose running mate on Borno APC guber candidate’ — Zulum

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has said the choice of the All Progressives Congress, APC, deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election rests with the party’s governorship candidate, Mustapha Gubio.

Zulum made the remark during a visit to the palace of the Emir of Biu in Biu Local Government Area, where he disclosed that the APC governorship candidate is expected to announce his running mate next week.

The governor said about 27 aspirants had indicated interest in becoming the party’s deputy governorship candidate.

He, however, said while he and other party stakeholders would offer advice during the process, the final decision would be made by the governorship candidate.

According to Zulum, the selection should be guided by competence, fairness and the overall interest of Borno State rather than sectional considerations.

He also urged residents to pray for a peaceful selection process that would produce a suitable running mate for the party’s governorship candidate.

Zulum recalled that when he selected his own running mate, he received advice from then-Governor Kashim Shettima but made the final decision himself, stressing that no candidate was imposed on him.