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NOW THAT GUBIO HAS EMERGED: A lessom in Continuity and Control.

Published

4 months ago

May 21, 2026

By: Inuwa Bwala
inuwabwala3@gmail.com.

The emergence of Engineer Mustapha Gubio as the All Progressives Congress consensus governorship candidate for Borno State for the 2027 elections has reignited debate over succession politics in the North East.
The process contrasts sharply with the 2018 pathway that produced Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, as this one reveals how APC’s internal dynamics in Borno have evolved from competitive primaries to a craftily managed consensus.

In 2018 it was a heavily contested primary election,
under the tutelage of the then Governor, Kashim Shettima: now Nigeria’s Vice President.
Professor Babagana Zulum, then Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, RRR, entered a field of 10 aspirants. He polled 4,432 votes to defeat his closest rival, Idris Mamman Durkwa, who managed 115 votes.

The contest was open, yet reflected the party’s early attempt to manage a crowded field while preserving the “Borno Model” of Shettima-Zulum continuity. Zulum went on to win the general election with 1,175,440 votes, and secured a second term unopposed in the 2022 APC primary. His rise was built on technocratic credentials as a professor of agricultural engineering, visibility in post-insurgency reconstruction, and the then governor’s backing.

Engineer Gubio’s 2026 emergence, which has been ratified with the affirmation of the consensus over contest
has seemingly changed the the script. Engineer Mustapha Gubio, who untill recently Professor Zulum’s Commissioner for Works and Housing, was presented by the governor as the APC consensus candidate for 2027. The announcement followed the purchase of nomination forms worth N50m and a presentation to Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa.

Zulum described the choice as the product of “extensive consultations” and a “unified position” within the party. His media aide went further to clarify, that, it was an “anointment,” not a formal endorsement, but the effect was the same: other aspirants, including Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, stepped down to preserve party unity. The move was endorsed by APC Borno Stakeholders, who cited Gubio’s “experience and long-standing interaction with people of diverse religions, cultures, and tribes”.
Many described it as two paths, with one objective.
The contrast is instructive, as Zulum’s emergence in 2018 was a test of internal competition within a party still consolidating after the 2015 merger. It produced a clear winner through votes. Gubio’s path in 2026 bypassed that process entirely, relying instead on elite consensus brokered by the governor, with VP Shettima’s public blessing.

Analysts say the shift reflects Borno APC’s confidence in its dominance and its desire to avoid rancorous primaries ahead of a national election. “In Borno, the governor usually holds the local keys, but the Vice President holds the national map,” a party chieftain once said.
The arrangement also signals Zulum’s attempt to institutionalize a political culture, that differs with the old order, which were always turbulent.
Like many others, it is to me a seamless continuity
between two men who share technocratic backgrounds and close ties to powers that be.
Professor Zulum was a professor and Rector before entering politics; while Gubio oversaw infrastructure delivery as Commissioner for Works. The emphasis on continuity, stability, and administrative competence is consistent with the government’s 25 years rolling development plan.

While some may argue that, the consensus model carries risks, to me in particular, it reduces intra-party rivalry and attendant post primary enemity, leaving no room for perceptions of manipulation of the process.
But even this, it tests the durability of the Zulum-Shettima alliance, which has been central to Borno’s political stability since 2015.
For now, APC leaders insist the decision is about unity. Whether it delivers electoral victory in 2027 will depend less on how Gubio emerged, and more on whether he can match Zulum’s public appeal and the party’s track record of delivering Borno to APC in every election since 2015.
It is no longer a question of if, but when Engineer Mustapha Gubio wins the Borno governorship in 2027, the public expectations are naturally high, but may largely be shaped by three things: Professor Babagana Umara Zulum’s legacy, the security situation, and Borno’s development needs.
Already, people are talking about, Sustaining and scaling up security gains.
It is no longer news that. Borno has made progress against Boko Haram/ISWAP, but communities like Gwoza, Chibok, Pulka, Kirawa, Wala and the Lake Chad areas still face periodic attacks with attendant food raids.
The public expects Engineer Gubio to continue Working closely with the military and federal government to secure rural communities and farmlands.
The public also expect him to work towards preventing a resurgence of insurgent recruitment driven by hunger and displacement.
There will be much expectations for him to also continue the “civilian-military” approach, which Governor Zulum used, by visiting frontline communities, supporting vigilantes, and pushing for resettlement.
Recent reports indicate that there may be dare food shortages and Gubio is expected to fix food security and humanitarian gaps.
The IDP crisis is still acute attendant upon the suspension of WFP aid since January 2026, this has further worsened hunger in camps and host communities, and people expect the next governor to push for the return of sustained food aid and livelihood programs, revive agriculture by making farmlands accessible and providing inputs, irrigation, and extension services, to avoid a situation where IDPs return to the bush because the conditions in camps are worse.
Like Zulum, Mustapha Gubio is also likely to deliver infrastructure and reconstruction, coming from the Works and Housing portfolio. There are very high expectations that, he will maintain Zulum’s pace on roads, schools, hospitals, and housing.
I am amongst those who rrmain confident that, he will complete resettlement projects for IDPs to return home with dignity, expand rural roads to open up agriculture and trade, improve electricity and water supply in Maiduguri and satellite towns and maintain Zulum’s “people-first” governance style.
I dare say, that Zulum built his reputation on unannounced visits, direct engagement with citizens, and quick responses to crises.
Borno residents expect Gubio to be visible, accessible, and tough on corruption and inefficiency. Anything less will be seen as a step back.
As a party man, I have seen the merits in managing party unity and succession politics, using the consensus arrangement, that produced Gubio as a model for future primary elections and will reduce rancour and unnecessary financial involvement. And I will not hesitate in recommending same to Engineer Gubio.
I know as a matter of fact, that the public expects him to govern for the whole state, not just as a placeholder, and to avoid alienating other power blocs in Borno politics. This has been the bane of many politicians in other climes.
The bottom line for Engineer Mustapha Gubio, is that, voters in Borno will judge Gubio and of course all those who may come on board to work with him by, whether he or they can keep the state safe, feed the people, and keep reconstruction moving without breaking the trust Zulum built with the masses. If he’s seen as “Zulum 2.0” on service delivery but with his own approach to security and economy, expectations are that APC will hold Borno in 2027 and beyond.
With Gubio’s emergence and consequent affirmation, Borno looks set for another journey, remeniscient of the Zulum era. May God grant him good health, wisdom and understanding to tower above the public expectations.

inuwabwala3@gmail.com.

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Gov AbdulRazaq Lauded Over Conferment Of Sadauna Of Ilorin Title

Published

11 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been hailed for the conferment of the prestigious Sadauna of Ilorin Emirate title on him by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

Giving the commendation on Tuesday in a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, who is the Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of the Ilorin Emirate, described the recognition and honour on Governor AbdulRazaq as well deserved, timely and apt, giving his huge contributions to the growth and development of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

Gobir specifically commended the Emir of Ilorin for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna, noting that it is a solemn call for greater responsibility, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people.

He added: “The title of Sardauna occupies a position of profound significance in the history, heritage and traditions of the Ilorin Emirate. I commend His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Emir of Ilorin, for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna.

“The title embodies courage, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people. Your elevation is therefore not merely a mark of honour; it is also a solemn call to greater responsibility and continued service.

“As a fellow title-holder in the Ilorin Emirate, I am particularly delighted to welcome you into this distinguished circle of traditional leadership. I am confident that you will bring to the office the same qualities of leadership, dignity and unwavering commitment to public service that have distinguished your tenure and career.

“At a time when our Emirate and our State require men and women of character, wisdom and courage to advance the interests of our people, I am certain that you will make a meaningful contribution to the enduring unity, progress and development of the Ilorin Emirate.”

Gobir offered prayers for a successful, impactful and enduring tenure for the new Sadauna, adding:
“May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom, sound health and strength, and may He make your tenure as Sardauna of Ilorin a source of lasting honour to you, your family and the entire Ilorin Emirate.”

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FG Commissions KWASU ICT Centre To Enhance Graduates Employability

Published

11 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin.

The wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative-backed ICT Experience Centre at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

It would be recalled that KWASU is one of the six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of this intervention, with one institution representing each of the Nigerian six geopolitical zones.

Represented at the commissioning on Tuesday by the wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the project is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to advancing education, digital inclusion and enhancing graduate employability.

“The TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre we are commissioning today represents opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and the future of young people in Kwara State and beyond.

She said: “This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation. Mr President is committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youths with knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive world.”

Senator Tinubu said the facility was designed as a modern technology centre equipped with ICT laboratory, interactive digital display, conference facility, and exhibition spaces, adding that it would be an environment for learning, creativity, research, and technology advancement.

According to her, the ICT centres had been commissioned at the Ekiti State University on May 28, University of Cross Rivers State on September 4, Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10, adding that the Centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State Universities would be commissioned soon.

“The next phase of this intervention will cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara states which construction is currently ongoing. This expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their locations, have access to digital learning opportunities,” she said.

She encouraged the students to take ownership of the facility, maximise the opportunity it provides, and use technology positively to enhance their lives, community, and the nation.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Architect Sonny Echono, said the centres are being established across selected Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with the Kwara State University, Malete proudly hosting the facility in the North-Central Zone.

“Through practical training and digital skills acquisition, TETFund seeks to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation and position Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global
technology-driven economy,” he added.

Echono also said that the ICT Experience Centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Robotics and Software Development.

He added: “The Centre being commissioned today is one of the foremost ICT Experience Centres being delivered across the country, and the third to be commissioned this year. The Centre is equipped with modern digital devices, Computer systems and relevant software to facilitate training, practical learning and skills development. The facility is appropriately furnished and
fully air-conditioned, with supporting power and municipal infrastructure.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shaykh- Luqman Jimoh, said the new facility represents vision, belief, and an investment in the Nigerian youth to better shape the future of our
nation.

The Vice Chancellor described the ICT Experience Centre as an investment in human capital, in innovation, in entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, it is an investment in the future of Nigeria.

“This Centre will provide opportunities for our students to develop practical digital skills and engage with contemporary technologies. Importantly, it is our hub for interdisciplinary engagement.

“This ICT Experience Centre is therefore a timely, critical, and strategic infrastructure that will definitely enhance research, teaching, learning, entrepreneurship, and community service. This intervention is at the core of what this university seeks from partners and donors: synergies that add value and impact on today and the future,” he started.

KWASU Vice Chancellor also assured that the ICT Experience Centre would be put to maximum use for the benefit of students, researchers, and the University
community, adding that the “KWASU community would engage with the facilities in this Centre, we will use it. We will explore, experiment, learn, and innovate in i

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2027: Violent ;Kaduna as ADC, APC Supporters Trade Accusations….APC Calls For Police Investigation into the Vandalisation, attacks on its Office

Published

11 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

Tension is mounting in Kaduna State ahead of the 2027 general elections, following renewed exchanges between supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and groups backing the administration of Governor Uba Sani.
The latest development came on Tuesday when ADC governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, addressed supporters in Kaduna and, according to an account of his remarks, declared that the party was prepared to respond to attacks against its members.
Ashiru was also quoted as saying that it was Governor Uba Sani, rather than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was responsible for the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

However, available public records show that El-Rufai’s detention followed proceedings before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with the commission stating that his continued custody was based on a court-issued remand order.

The controversy over El-Rufai’s detention has nevertheless become a major political issue in Kaduna and beyond. The ADC has repeatedly criticised the handling of the former governor’s case and alleged political persecution, while other political actors have made different claims about the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Rising political temperature

Ashiru’s emergence as the ADC governorship candidate has added another dimension to the political contest in Kaduna. He defeated other aspirants at the party’s governorship primary in May 2026 and is now preparing for another governorship contest after previously representing the PDP in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
The political atmosphere has been further complicated by disagreements within the ADC and accusations from different groups over the party’s leadership and candidates.

A Southern Kaduna political group, for instance, recently questioned Ashiru’s candidacy and the choice of his running mate, allegations rejected by an ADC official.
The situation has also produced incidents involving ADC supporters and security personnel. In one recent incident, police dispersed an ADC solidarity walk in Kaduna, while the party subsequently accused opponents of attacking its members and warned that political violence could escalate ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former governor remains an important factor in the emerging political contest. El-Rufai was taken into custody in February 2026 after responding to an invitation from the ICPC. His family subsequently demanded his release, while the anti-graft agency maintained that his detention was authorised by a court.
Since then, the issue has increasingly featured in political statements by the ADC and its supporters, with the party accusing the Federal Government of political persecution and calling for the former governor’s release.
The development has created a new political fault line involving the ADC, the APC-led Kaduna State Government and supporters of the former governor.

While allegations have been exchanged over who is responsible for political violence in Kaduna, the competing narratives should not be confused with established findings. The ADC itself has recently rejected the suggestion that it has a monopoly on political violence and accused unnamed opponents of introducing thuggery into the 2027 political process.

With the 2027 election campaign yet to fully commence, the increasingly combative language from ISA Ashiru and his supporters has raised concerns about the possibility of further confrontation.
The immediate challenge before the political parties, security agencies and community leaders is therefore to ensure that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence, particularly in a state with Kaduna’s history of politically and communally sensitive conflicts.
As at the time of filling tid report the All progressive congress, APC , Kaduna state in a statement has condemned the attacks on its office and called for police investigation
Certainly. I’ll retain the substance of the report while correcting grammar, tightening the structure, and presenting it as a clean newspaper hard-news story.
Writing
APC Condemns Violent Attacks on Members, Party Offices in Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned alleged violent attacks on its members and the vandalisation of party offices and properties in the state.
The party also called on the police and other security agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In a statement, the Kaduna State APC Publicity Secretary, Sani Dan-Azare, alleged that some of the party’s members and supporters had been attacked, while some party and support-group offices were vandalised.
He also alleged that vehicles belonging to some party members were damaged during the incidents.
The APC described the attacks as unacceptable and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The party called on its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that they should not resort to retaliation or take the law into their own hands.
The APC said it remained committed to peaceful political engagement and urged all political actors in Kaduna State to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law.
It further appealed to security agencies to strengthen security around party offices and other sensitive locations to prevent further incidents.