I don’t know my successor, says Zulum

Borno State Governor, Prof.  Babagana Zulum, has stated that he does not know who will succeed him when his tenure ends in May 2027.

Speaking on Sunday evening at a crucial All Progressives Congress stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House’s multi-purpose hall in Maiduguri, the governor said his administration remains focused on strengthening security and delivering development to the people.

Addressing party leaders, elected officials, and members, Zulum stressed the need for a fair, transparent, and just process in the election of party officials during the forthcoming congresses.

He emphasised that the integrity of the process is critical for the party’s unity and future success.

The governor called for a fresh set of individuals to occupy party positions, urging stakeholders to allow new faces to emerge through a democratic process, thereby strengthening APC’s grassroots structure and inclusivity.

He also dismissed speculation about his influence over the party’s future ticket.

“I have no candidate for any position, and I do not know who will succeed me,” Zulum said. “I have entrusted the choice of leaders to Almighty Allah, in accordance with the democratic will of the party members and the people of Borno State.”

During the meeting, Governor Zulum announced the creation of two committees to enhance APC’s e-registration and reconciliation among party members.

A 10-member committee, led by former Nigerian Ambassador to China Baba Ahmed Jidda, will include representatives from the state’s three senatorial districts.

The meeting was attended by the Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar  Kadafur; former Governor Maina Ma’aji Lawan; APC Deputy National Chairman, Ali Dalori; Borno State APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba; and three former deputy governors — Ali Abubakar Jatau, Adamu Shettim Dibal, and Usman Mamman Durkwa.

Other dignitaries present included the Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, Senator Kaka Lawan, and 10 members of the House of Representatives, including Dr Midala Balami, who recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Members of the Borno State House of Assembly, led by Speaker, Abdulkarim Lawan, and Deputy Speaker, Abdullahi Askira, alongside 25 other legislators, were also in attendance.

The gathering also had former Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai, Dr Bulama Mali Gubio, and senior government and party officials.(Punch)