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

Published

4 weeks 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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2027: APC Elders Back Kwara Guber Candidate Danladi

Published

24 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Our Reporter

*Assures Tinubu of landslide victory

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Members of the Elders Caucus of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kwara State have thrown their weight behind the candidacy of the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Engr. Yakubu Danladi- Salihu.

The APC elders, at a crowded press conference on Monday in Ilorin, the state capital, assured President Bola Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC that Danladi- Salihu enjoyed the popular support of the people of the State, especially the youths.

The forum was reacting to the earlier press conference held by the Chief James Bamisaiye- led APC Elders Caucus where they condemned the choice of Danladi-Salihu as the party’s gubernatorial candidate.

They said that the APC candidate does not represent the strongest political option available to the party to win the next year gubernatorial race.

The elders warned that unless President Bola Tinubu and the national leadership of the party wade into the raging crisis that had emerged from the Danladi- Salihu’s candidacy, the party may lose Kwara State to the opposition.

But, the APC Elders Caucus at a press conference addressed by the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda Ambassadors, Hon. AbdulLateef Gidado Alakawa said: “To Say the least, those who addressed that conference are interlopers who are not recognised by the APC structure in the State.

“We shouldn’t have dignified the claims of these interlopers who called themselves elders of our great party, the APC by this response, but there’s is the need to put a lie to their fathom claims.

“The general public is aware of the fact that our party held its primaries for all the elective offices, including the governorship ticket in a peaceful atmosphere. The results of the governorship primary was announced by the Chairman of the panel that was sent from Abuja to conduct the exercise, Hon. Musiliu Obanikoro in the presence of all loyal party members at the Banquet Hall along Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin.

“The governorship primary that was held on 22nd May 2026 produced the incumbent speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu DanladiSalihu as winner. Since that time, none of the other gubernatorial aspirant has raised a complaint on the outcome of the exercise. And as a team player, the APC gubernatorial candidate has since extended the hands of fellowship to his cocontestants.

“Not only this, Hon. Danladi has embarked on a tour of the residences of key stakeholders in the affairs of our dear state, including our traditional rulers, who have all blessed him, assured him of their support and prayed for his victory at the poll come 2027.

“The credentials of Danladi – Salihu are in public domain. Apart from being an engineer, he has garnered enough political experience as the state’s number three citizen in the last seven years. Our candidate is also a youth who enjoys the support of mammoth youths population.

“On the so-called elders disparaging comments on our leader, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, we want to clarify that the governor did not imose any gubernatorial candidates on the party. The governor allowed a free contest in the gubernatorial primary while he was not also directly in charge of the conduct of the exercise. He as a democrat only accepted the outcome of the exercise which was adjudged peaceful, free and fair by those that supervised it.

“Declaring the result of the gubernatorial primary, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Supervisory Committee of Kwara State Governorship Primary, Senator Musliu Obanikoro said DanladiSalihu scored 94,990 votes to beat other cight aspirants that participated in the exercise.

“We recall that key contenders, including Amb. Yahaya Seriki, had earlier mobiiised support for DanladiSalihu in a show of solidarity. All the five local government areas in the North returned more than 90% of their votes in favour of the DanladiSalihu, while he also led comfortably across the two other senatorial districts. In Southern District, Offa, Oyun, Irepodun, Ekiti, Isin, Oke Ero, and Ifelodun stood firmly behind the choice of the Speaker, underscoring his strong support base across the state.

“The above illustration showed that Danladi – Salihu won the gubernatorial primary convincingly. What we expected of the socalled elders is to join hands with our governor and other stakeholders to ensure the victory of our governorship candidate and all other candidates of the APC at the poll.
“The conduct of these elders have shown that their not patriotic member of the APC and do not mean well for our dear Kwara State. We hold the opinion that every well meaning party man will pray for a successor who will continue the good work of the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. “

“We want to assure His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu that Kwara is APC state and in shaa Allahu, the governor and all other genuine stakeholders will deliver the state, once again to the APC come 2027. “

Alakawa was flanked by the Coordinator of the Kwara Central APC Elders Caucus, Alhaji Razaq Lawal and a chieftain of the party, Alhaji Usman Bibire Ajape, amongst others.

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Democracy Day: NWDC Chairman, Lawal Yakawada, Calls for Unity, Peace and Accelerated Development in North-West

Published

1 day ago

June 15, 2026

Our Reporter

Hassan Taiye

Democracy Day: NWDC Chairman Reaffirms Commitment to Peace, Development in North-West
By Staff Reporter
The Chairman of the Board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), Lawal Yakawada, has called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to unity, peace, and democratic values as the nation commemorates Democracy Day.
In a statement issued to mark the occasion, Yakawada described June 12 as a defining symbol of Nigeria’s democratic journey and a reminder of the sacrifices made by patriots in the pursuit of justice, accountability, inclusion, and the rule of law.
According to him, democracy goes beyond governance and represents a collective responsibility to build a nation founded on fairness, participation, and national progress.
The NWDC chairman acknowledged the challenges facing the country, particularly in the North-West region, including insecurity, economic pressures, and social difficulties, but commended communities across the region for their resilience and determination.
Yakawada stated that the Commission remains committed to working with governments at all levels, traditional institutions, religious leaders, security agencies, development partners, and local communities to promote stability and sustainable development across the region.
He stressed that peace, security, and social stability are critical to achieving development goals, attracting investment, expanding educational opportunities, and improving economic outcomes.
“Without peace, progress becomes difficult; with peace, the opportunities for growth and prosperity are limitless,” he stated.
The chairman further outlined a vision for a North-West where every child has access to quality education, farmers operate safely, entrepreneurs flourish, communities prosper, and citizens actively contribute to national development.
Yakawada urged Nigerians to use the Democracy Day celebration as an opportunity to strengthen national unity and collective commitment to building a more peaceful and prosperous country.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria’s democratic institutions would continue to grow stronger and become more responsive to the aspirations of the people.
He also wished Nigerians a memorable Democracy Day celebration and prayed for continued peace and progress across the nation.

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Kwara APC Guber Candidate, Salihu Visits National Youth House

Published

1 day ago

June 15, 2026

Our Reporter

Seeks a better deal for Nigerian youths

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly and APC Governorship candidate is poised to seek a better deal for Nigerian youths ahead of the 2027 general election.

To this effect, Rt. Hon. Engr. Danladi-Salihu was at the National Youth House, where he had a robust engagement with young people under the leadership of the energetic and vibrant APC National Youth Leader, Hon. Abdullah Dayo Israel, in Abuja.

The APC Governorship candidate charged the youths to remain focused, be good ambassadors, and work assiduously to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all other APC candidates from top to bottom across the country. According to him, this is the only way to reward a government that is creating so many opportunities for Nigerian youths.

Earlier, the APC National Youth Leader, Hon. Abdullah Dayo Israel, took the Governorship candidate on a tour of the National Youth House, showing him the facilities and resources put together to give youths a sense of belonging and bring out the best in them.

Hon. Israel expressed joy at the emergence of Rt. Hon. Engr. Danladi-Salihu as the APC Governorship Candidate for Kwara State, describing it as the youth mandate.

“I was overjoyed when you came first during the primary; as a youth, I am happy that our demography is not left behind and we are going to give you the needed support as the youngest governorship candidate in the country”, the National Youth Leader remarked.