A high-level meeting of stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State has resolved internal differences ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Sen. Kaka Shehu Lawan stepping down from the governorship race.
The resolution followed extensive deliberations convened and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday night, with the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, and other key party figures in attendance.
Those present at the meeting included former Governor Maina Ma’aji Lawan, Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno and Mohammed Ali Ndume, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly Abdulkarim Lawan, Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari, Mukhtar Betara Aliyu, and Abdulkadir Rahis.
The stakeholders agreed on a consensus arrangement that produced Engr. Mustapha Gubio as the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the state.
The decision, according to participants, was reached in the interest of unity, peace, and democratic stability within the APC in Borno.
Sen. Kaka Shehu Lawan, who represents Borno Central Senatorial District, called on his supporters to accept the outcome in good faith and remain committed to the party’s collective interest.
He urged them to eschew bitterness and support the consensus candidate, while reaffirming his intention to retain his senatorial seat.
Meanwhile, Gov. Zulum formally presented Gubio as the APC consensus governorship candidate to Vice President Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Zulum described Gubio’s emergence as the outcome of wide consultations among party stakeholders across the state, noting that it reflects a unified position within the APC.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and support to both Borno State and the APC.
He further acknowledged the role played by the Vice President in strengthening party cohesion and facilitating the consensus process.
Zulum expressed appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders, and residents of the state for their support, prayers, and steadfastness, which he said contributed to the emergence of the consensus candidate.
He called on party supporters to turn out en masse to receive a delegation led by the governor and other APC leaders in Maiduguri on May 1, describing it as a renewal of commitment to the development of Borno State and Nigeria at large.
