No fewer than 27 aspirants are jostling for the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship ticket in Borno State, with Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum assuring party members that the selection process will be fair, transparent and free from imposition.
Speaking during a visit to the palace of the Emir of Biu, His Royal Highness Mai Umar Mustapha Aliyu, in Biu Local Government Area, Zulum said the APC governorship candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, would announce his running mate next week.
The governor stressed that the choice of a deputy governorship candidate rests solely with Gubio, while he and other party stakeholders would only provide guidance and advice throughout the process.
He urged the Emir and the people of Borno State to pray for divine direction in selecting a credible running mate from the 27 aspirants, expressing confidence that the process would produce a competent deputy capable of complementing the governorship candidate and advancing the state’s development.
“I know our politicians are anxious to know who will emerge as the next deputy governorship candidate. I will not impose anyone on our governorship candidate. We can only advise and pray for a suitable choice,” Zulum said.
The governor recalled that when he was choosing his own running mate, Kashim Shettima advised him to pick Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur, stressing that the Vice President offered advice rather than imposing a candidate.
Zulum also cautioned against viewing the deputy governorship position as the exclusive entitlement of Biu Local Government Area, saying the office belongs to the entire state and that competence, fairness and the overall interest of Borno State would guide the selection.
He further assured residents of Biu of more government projects, disclosing that he would inaugurate a development project in the area before leaving the town.
