The Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, alongside the 27 District Heads of the Biu Emirate and other influential stakeholders, have unanimously endorsed Alhaji Ali Isa Abdullahi as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship Candidate and running mate to the party’s governorship flag bearer, Engineer Mustapha Gubio, ahead of the 2027 Borno State governorship election.
The endorsement was announced on Saturday during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House, Maiduguri, where political leaders, traditional rulers, lawmakers and party officials pledged their support for the APC ticket.
Biu Emirate Declares Full Support for APC Ticket
The meeting, presided over by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, brought together some of the state’s most prominent political and traditional leaders.
Among those in attendance were former Deputy Governor Alhaji Adamu Shettima Yuguda Dibal, APC Deputy National Chairman (North) Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Senator representing Southern Borno Mohammed Ali Ndume, Senator representing Borno Central Kaka Shehu Lawan (SAN), members of the National Assembly, the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, commissioners, APC State Working Committee members, local government chairmen, former lawmakers, party stakeholders and traditional rulers.
The gathering underscored the growing consensus within the ruling party as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Emir of Biu Dismisses Indigene Controversy
Addressing the gathering, the Emir of Biu dismissed claims circulating on social media questioning the indigene status of Alhaji Ali Isa Abdullahi.
The monarch described the APC deputy governorship candidate as a genuine son of the Biu Emirate and urged residents to ignore misinformation capable of creating unnecessary division.
”We want to use this opportunity to dismiss unnecessary speculations that Ali Isa Abdullahi is not an indigene of Biu,” the Emir said.
He explained that his palace is located only a short distance from the family residence of Ali Isa Abdullahi in Tashan Danfulani, noting that both families had maintained close relationships for decades.
According to the Emir, the endorsement reflects the collective decision of traditional institutions and stakeholders across the emirate.
”We are behind you 100 percent. The decision to choose one of our own is highly commendable, and we believe he possesses the experience and capacity to work with Engineer Mustapha Gubio in consolidating the achievements recorded under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.”
The Emir further appealed to residents of Borno State to reject false narratives capable of undermining peace, unity and social harmony.
Governor Zulum Appreciates Stakeholders
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum expressed gratitude to the Emir, district heads and stakeholders for demonstrating confidence in the APC leadership and its decision.
The governor described the visit as a demonstration of unity and political maturity.
”I am highly delighted that Your Royal Highness and all stakeholders found time to come and collectively appreciate the government for endorsing your son, Alhaji Ali Isa Abdullahi, as running mate to our governorship candidate, Engineer Mustapha Gubio,” Zulum stated.
Zulum Calls for Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections
Governor Zulum stressed that the emergence of the APC governorship ticket was guided by consultation and divine providence.
He urged party supporters and residents across Borno State to remain united in order to secure victory for the APC during the 2027 general elections.
”It is God that gives power to whom He wishes. Therefore, I call on the people of the Emirate and Borno State as a whole to unite and give everyone maximum support and cooperation to ensure victory for the APC from top to bottom in the 2027 general elections.”
The governor warned against actions capable of creating political divisions, saying peace, stability and development can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity.
”We should be wary of divisiveness among our people. This will bring further disunity, instability and underdevelopment in our dear state.”
Clarifying the process that produced the deputy governorship candidate, Zulum explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with APC governorship candidate Engineer Mustapha Gubio.
According to him, Gubio had previously worked closely with Ali Isa Abdullahi during their service at the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, making him a suitable choice based on experience and working relationship.
Ali Isa Abdullahi’s Public Service Experience
Before his emergence as the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Alhaji Ali Isa Abdullahi served as the Director-General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
During his tenure, he played a significant role in coordinating humanitarian assistance, emergency response, and the distribution of relief materials to internally displaced persons and vulnerable communities affected by insurgency and natural disasters across Borno State.
His experience in public administration and humanitarian service is regarded by many stakeholders as an asset that could strengthen the APC’s campaign ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
APC Intensifies Preparations for 2027
The endorsement by the Biu Emirate adds to the APC’s efforts to consolidate support across the three senatorial districts of Borno State as political activities gradually gather pace ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political observers believe the public declaration of support by traditional rulers, community leaders and party stakeholders reflects the importance of unity and grassroots mobilisation in shaping the state’s political landscape.
The APC leadership has consistently emphasised continuity in governance, security, infrastructure development, education, healthcare and post-insurgency recovery as major priorities for the next administration.