Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has endorsed his immediate past Commissioner for Works, Mustapha Gubio, as his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election—setting the stage for a potentially fierce contest within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor’s spokesperson, Malam Dauda Iliya, confirmed the development on Tuesday, describing Gubio as the candidate best positioned to sustain and expand the administration’s development agenda.

“Gubio represents continuity. He understands the vision of this administration and has the capacity to build on its achievements,” Iliya said.

The endorsement followed a symbolic moment captured in a photograph shared by the governor’s aide, showing Gubio presenting his expression of interest and nomination forms to Zulum.

In the image, Gubio stood alongside the governor, the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and a group of loyal supporters—an appearance widely interpreted as a public show of political backing.

However, the move is already stirring debate within APC circles in Borno, with analysts warning it could deepen existing cracks in the party.

Political observers say the endorsement may not sit well with supporters of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is believed to wield significant influence in the state’s political structure.

“There are clear signs of parallel interests,” a political analyst in Maiduguri noted. “Both Zulum and Shettima appear to have preferred camps, and that could complicate party unity ahead of the primaries.”

The situation has fueled speculation of a quiet power tussle between political allies-turned power brokers, with insiders hinting at growing unease between the camps.

Gubio’s entry into the race adds to an expanding field of aspirants within the APC, raising the stakes as the party prepares for what could be a highly competitive primary election.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has outlined the timetable for the 2027 general elections.

According to the commission, presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027

Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, are expected to take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026.

INEC also announced that campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026. (Daily Trust)