Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has said he has no knowledge of who will succeed him when his tenure ends in May 2027.
The governor explained that his administration remains focused on improving security and delivering meaningful development to the people of the state.
Zulum made the remarks on Sunday during a crucial meeting of All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri.
Addressing party leaders, elected officials and members, the governor stressed the need for fairness, transparency and justice in the conduct of the party’s forthcoming congresses, noting that the credibility of the process was essential to the unity and future of the APC.
He called for the emergence of fresh faces to occupy party positions, urging stakeholders to embrace a democratic process that would strengthen inclusivity and deepen the party’s grassroots base.
The governor also dismissed speculations that he was backing any individual for future party tickets, firmly stating that he had not endorsed any candidate for party offices or elective positions.
“I have no preferred candidate for any position, and I do not know who will succeed me. I have left the choice of leaders to Almighty Allah and to the democratic decision of party members and the people of Borno State,” he said.
To strengthen party cohesion, Zulum announced the formation of two committees to enhance APC e-registration and promote reconciliation among members. A 10-member committee, chaired by former Nigerian Ambassador to China, Baba Ahmed Jidda, was constituted, with representatives drawn from the state’s three senatorial districts.
The meeting was attended by Acting Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; former Governor of Borno State, Maina Ma’aji Lawan; APC Deputy National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori; and State APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba.
Also present were former deputy governors Ali Abubakar Jatau, Adamu Shettim Dibal and Usman Mamman Durkwa; Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan; and 10 members of the House of Representatives, including Dr Midala Balami, who announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan; his deputy, Engr Abdullahi Askira; and 25 other lawmakers were also in attendance, alongside former Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai, Dr Bulama Mali Gubio, and other senior government and party officials.