Babagana Zulum says APC candidate Mustapha Gubio will choose his 2027 running mate, rejecting imposition and backing a fair selection process
Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the palace of the Emir of Biu in Biu Local Government Area, said the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate Mustapha Gubio will have the final authority to select his deputy for the 2027 election.
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Zulum, who spoke during a visit to the traditional ruler, said he would not impose a running mate on the APC governorship candidate, insisting that the decision should remain with the person seeking to lead the state.
The governor explained that party leaders and stakeholders could provide guidance throughout the process, but the final choice must reflect the judgement of the governorship candidate.
“The choice of running mate belongs to the governorship candidate,” Zulum said, stressing that the selection should be based on competence, fairness and the broader interest of Borno State.
The governor disclosed that about 27 aspirants had expressed interest in becoming the APC deputy governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
He added that the party would need to carefully consider the qualities and experience of each contender before arriving at a decision.
According to Zulum, the APC governorship candidate is expected to announce his running mate next week, bringing an end to weeks of speculation among party supporters and political observers.
The governor encouraged residents and party members to support a peaceful process that would produce a candidate capable of complementing the governorship ambition and serving the people of Borno effectively.
Zulum’s comments reflect his position that political succession should involve consultation but must ultimately allow candidates to exercise ownership over their electoral partnerships.
Recalling his own experience, the governor said that when he selected his deputy, he received advice from then-Governor Kashim Shettima but retained responsibility for making the final decision.
Zulum said no candidate was imposed on him during that process, a principle he believes should guide the current selection of the APC deputy governorship candidate.
The development comes as political parties across Nigeria begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, with decisions on running mates expected to play a significant role in shaping campaign strategies and voter confidence.
For the APC in Borno, the choice of deputy governor will be closely watched, particularly given the state’s security, development and governance challenges.
A suitable running mate could influence the party’s ability to maintain unity and appeal across different communities.
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By allowing Gubio to make the final decision, Zulum has positioned the process as one based on trust, responsibility and political partnership rather than direct control from party leadership.
