Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan has officially withdrawn from the Borno State governorship race and endorsed Mustapha Gubio as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in a move aimed at strengthening party unity ahead of the 2027 elections. The decision was reached during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday in Abuja, attended by key political figures including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, APC leaders, National Assembly members, and members of the Borno Elders Forum. The meeting, chaired by the Vice President, concluded with a unanimous agreement that Lawan should step aside to allow Gubio to emerge as the party’s flagbearer.
According to Usman Alkali, Senator Lawan’s legislative aide, the decision was taken to promote cohesion and prevent internal divisions within the APC in Borno State. Alkali stated that the senator is expected to retain his position in the Senate, ensuring continuity in his legislative duties. The stakeholders emphasized that the endorsement of Gubio was not only a strategic move but also a demonstration of collective will to present a united front in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Governor Zulum confirmed the party’s adoption of Gubio as the consensus candidate in a statement released by his spokesperson, Dauda Illiya. Illiya revealed that Zulum personally presented Gubio to Vice President Shettima during the meeting, underscoring the candidate’s broad-based support across party lines. The governor praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and expressed appreciation for the Vice President’s role in fostering unity among APC stakeholders in the state.
The decision has been widely seen as a significant step toward consolidating party strength in Borno, a state with complex political dynamics and a history of internal party conflicts. By stepping down, Senator Lawan has demonstrated political maturity and commitment to party harmony, qualities that are expected to resonate with voters and party members alike. The APC leadership now plans to return to Maiduguri for further consultations, ensuring that the transition is smooth and inclusive.
This development marks a pivotal moment in the APC’s campaign strategy in Borno, setting the stage for a unified and focused election effort. As the party moves forward, the endorsement of Mustapha Gubio is expected to galvanize support across various political and ethnic groups within the state. The outcome of this consensus-building process could serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges in candidate selection. With the foundation now laid, the APC in Borno is poised to present a strong, cohesive front in the upcoming governorship election.
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