The political landscape within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State is witnessing a growing division, as key actors align under competing interests ahead of the party’s nomination process. What initially appeared to be routine political activity has now evolved into a clear contest of influence between camps loyal to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and those aligned with Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The situation intensified following the formal entry of Engr. Mustapha Gubio into the governorship race. Gubio, accompanied by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno and Engr. Bukar Talba, picked up his nomination and expression of interest forms amid a large crowd of supporters. His move was widely interpreted as reflecting the preference of Governor Zulum, signaling the governor’s strategic positioning ahead of the transition.
However, the issue of endorsement versus personal preference generated public debate. In an earlier statement, the governor’s spokesperson, Malam Garba Iliya, described Gubio as the “anointed” candidate, carefully noting that he had not been formally “endorsed.” This distinction was later clarified by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Print and Digital Communications, Hon. Abdulrahman Ahmad Bundi, who emphasized that the term “anointed” was intentionally used to reflect a firm personal choice by the governor, rather than a formal party endorsement subject to internal processes.
According to the clarification, Governor Zulum’s position remains “clear, consistent, and unequivocal,” with Gubio identified as his preferred successor. The statement stressed that “anointing” represents a stronger, more personal expression of confidence than a conventional endorsement, thereby reaffirming Gubio’s standing within the governor’s political camp.
Amid this development, Barrister Kaka Shehu also entered the race, picking up his nomination forms with visible backing from loyalists of Vice President Kashim Shettima. His emergence has introduced a parallel power center within the party, highlighting a potential rift between the governor and his predecessor.
Tensions were further heightened by a controversial social media post, later deleted, by Comrade Mahmud Muhammad, Personal Assistant on Domestic North East Affairs to the Vice President. The post, originally shared from another user, questioned whether Governor Zulum was “biting the finger that feeds him.” Though removed shortly after, it fueled speculation of an intensifying political confrontation between the two camps.
Supporters on both sides have since amplified their positions. Among pro-Zulum loyalists, a popular slogan has emerged: “Daga Zulum sai abunda Zulum yace” (After Zulum, it is what Zulum says), underscoring their insistence on the governor’s authority in determining his successor.
In a related development, campaign posters have surfaced across media platforms urging Governor Zulum to contest for the Borno Central Senatorial seat. Political observers interpret this as a strategic move aimed at reshaping the contest and potentially weakening Barr. Kaka Shehu’s prospects across both the governorship and senatorial races. Notably, the governor has yet to make any official declaration regarding such a move.
The unfolding scenario suggests that more aspirants aligned with both camps are likely to obtain nomination forms in the coming days, particularly for governorship and National Assembly seats. Already, several loyalists are reportedly preparing to contest for House of Representatives positions, indicating that the emerging divide may extend beyond the governorship race into broader party structures.
As the situation develops, questions continue to mount over whether the relationship between Governor Zulum and Vice President Shettima, once seen as politically aligned has reached a breaking point. The coming weeks are expected to be decisive in determining the direction of the APC in Borno State and the balance of power within its ranks.
Observers note that while the contest remains within party lines, its outcome could significantly influence the political stability of the state and shape the APC’s electoral fortunes in the region.
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