Politics
APC National Chairmanship: The Onus on two great sons of Borno
APC National Chairmanship: The Onus on two great sons of Borno
By: James Bwala
While I was trying to answer the question about the emergence of two former governors from my state contesting for the APC National Chairmanship position, I told a colleague, who put the question to me that, people supporting faces appearing on the pages of newspapers and on Facebook who are aspiring for the position of National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC seemed to be pointing to one direction except the case for Borno state where these two candidates are coming.
Already this has put some people on the fence, who do not understand politics or those who feel they must come clean on both sides. These people seemed to be on the line but to choose and support between two great sons, who had contributed immensely for the growth and development of Borno in their capacities as governors at different times, they have governed the state remains an apocalypse. Ask any neutral person to choose between the two and he would drag the words.
Questions and rumour making the round about their aspiration for the National Chairmanship position of the All Progressive Congress, APC suggested or rather informed my writing of this piece. The mute at either camp has put Borno on the focus and bad politicians have started bringing bad politics to play. But I feel this is not what people should be looking out for. We have had a fair share of differences but politics is politics. This piece may also be speaking the minds of many Borno citizens as I understand from my interaction with few.
I believe the onus is on these two great citizens to inspire courage towards delivering justice, peace, equity and understanding among politicians and to change narratives in the polity of the country if elected. The onus also is on them to demonstrate leadership uncommon as both of them are coming with a magnitude of experience in leadership and administration of people, material and resources. To have them two coming from a state puts Borno at advantage of producing the next National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress.
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Speaking on how Borno people will make a choice between the two however is putting a test between courage and responsibility. “The choice may rather be an unfortunate one at this time because it shows no oneness amongst the people and that is not what Borno state is known for.” As observed by an elder whom I would not mention here.
I have also heard from many of my kinsmen just like the Biblical story of some for Apostle Paul and others for Barnabas but Borno is one and dividing the state along political lines sends streaming lines of cold water running down my spine. It also reminded me of the saying that a divided house cannot stand. This is true as many have come to believe so. But I did not consider this a bad omen looking at it from a political angle if it is to be played along the path of the great Waziri Ibrahim.
“I like Kashim Shettima for his intelligence and oratory.” someone had said, “For me, Modu Sheriff will make a good Leader here, APC needs the rocky type.” Another person said. In all my discussions both Kashim Shettima and Modu Sheriff seemed to be the answer from different perspectives and views of the people, which I hope to unveil as the days draws by. However, one thing remains certain; there cannot be two captains in a ship.
While I speak with many of my kinsmen, friends, associates, colleagues and bystanders I engaged while putting this piece, I also find this to be an all-important puzzle on the political atmosphere brewing. This too will be a story for another day and I wouldn’t want to conclude at this time because surprises keep happening on political thresholds. I keep reminding myself that these are the possibilities politics provides for people. I have no doubt about the two gentlemen trying to sort out their dreams to kick the red button on this national calling. It may be a plus for Borno state on the other hand.
But a fight, I mean a political fight between a supposedly political godfather and political godson should not be presented as horrific as some rumours making the rounds seemed to have been suggesting. Rather it is to be an interesting phenomenon in the entire game called politics. Only the susceptible feels hurt, shifts blame and castigate one another in trying to win favour from this side or that side.
For eight years, I have worked with Modu Sheriff as governor of Borno state and equally worked another eight years with Kashim Shettima. Both of them for me as a Journalist are great inspiration and subject of research in political studies. They have all made their marks as governors of Borno state taking on progressively from one point to another to make the state what it is today and I believe they still have much to offer Borno state and its citizens in their current struggles.
Someone earlier today asked me about the question of Modu Sheriff and Kashim Shettima coming to edge out their political stamina on the battlefield for the seat of the National Chairmanship of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC. I told him they are both progressive. And sincerely this is my opinion as a Journalist. If I were to be a politician perhaps my answer would have been different.
For many politicians, speaking in this context particularly for those who have had relationships with both Modu Sheriff and Kashim Shettima, the choice depends on how deeply they have been involved either with Modu Sheriff or Kashim Shettima. But at this point, the choice will have to be made either for Modu Sheriff or Kashim Shettima. That was my own explanation.
Even for the governor of Borno state, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the two former governors: Modu Sheriff and Kashim Shettima remain two angels God prepared from heaven to shape his ways. I was very close at a point in time when he came across both of them and on each encounter fortune smiled on him putting him in a very difficult position as many politicians in Borno state who had at various occasions been led by fate and faith to find favour from these two great sons of Borno.
Sheriff is Rocky as they would say and Shettima an Orator, either of them is a Captain in his own right but politics will be played and there must be a winner in the end. For me, it is Borno against the rest of the states – Zamfara, Nassarawa, and Benue for those I could remember and have written about. There is nothing poetic about political battles as being suggested between Sheriff and Shettima. Either side of the coin is a good advantage for Borno if the two roll it out well in their campaigns. The Onus is on them to make Borno state proud.
James Bwala writes from Abuja
APC National Chairmanship: The Onus on two great sons of Borno
Borno APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Signal Early Political Realignment
By: Michael Mike
In a move that underscores early political positioning ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections, key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State have formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term in 2027.
The endorsement, announced during a high-level gathering at the Government House Multipurpose Hall in Maiduguri on Saturday, signals a consolidation of political support in one of the APC’s strongest northern bases. Party leaders, government officials, and influential grassroots mobilizers unanimously pledged to rally voters across the state to ensure the continuity of the Tinubu administration.
Addressing the stakeholders, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum described the endorsement as both a vote of confidence in the current administration and a strategic commitment to sustaining ongoing reforms. He emphasized that the Tinubu-Shettima leadership had demonstrated resolve in tackling Nigeria’s complex security and economic challenges.
According to Zulum, Borno State—long at the epicenter of insurgency—has witnessed renewed federal attention in security coordination, humanitarian interventions, and reconstruction efforts. He noted that continuity in leadership would be critical to consolidating these gains, particularly in the North-East where recovery from years of conflict remains fragile.
“The support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima is rooted in performance and trust,” Zulum said. “Borno has seen firsthand the impact of leadership that understands our realities and is committed to long-term stability.”
Borno’s Strategic Role in APC Politics
Borno State holds significant political weight within the APC, not only as a consistent electoral stronghold but also as the political base of Vice President Shettima, a former governor of the state. Since the party’s formation in 2013 and its landmark victory in the 2015 elections, Borno has remained central to APC’s dominance in the North-East.
The state’s political influence is further amplified by its frontline status in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. Years of conflict involving Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents have shaped national security policies and elevated Borno’s importance in federal decision-making. As a result, endorsements from the state often carry symbolic and strategic significance for national campaigns.
Political analysts view the early endorsement as part of a broader effort by APC stakeholders to stabilize internal party structures and project unity well ahead of the 2027 elections. It also reflects a growing trend of pre-election alignments aimed at discouraging intra-party rivalries and consolidating incumbency advantages.
Momentum Builds Toward 2027
Saturday’s declaration comes amid ongoing national debates over economic reforms, security challenges, and governance priorities under the Tinubu administration. While opposition parties are expected to intensify criticism in the coming years, the APC appears to be laying the groundwork for a coordinated re-election campaign.
Stakeholders at the Maiduguri meeting pledged to embark on extensive grassroots mobilization, voter engagement, and party strengthening initiatives across all local government areas in Borno. They also called on other APC-controlled states to replicate similar endorsements to build a nationwide consensus.
As Nigeria moves deeper into its current electoral cycle, the Borno endorsement highlights how regional political blocs are already shaping the contours of the 2027 race—long before official campaigns begin.
Borno APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Signal Early Political Realignment
Fairness, unity key to victory in 2027, Chieftain tells APC leadership in Adamawa
Abdulrahaman Kwancham, Adamawa Northern Senatorial zone aspirant under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the party leadership in the zone to be fair towards ensuring victory for the party in 2027 General Elections.
Kwancham made the call during a courtesy visit to the party leadership in Mubi-North Local Government Area.
He said fairness and justice would help the party members to remain united and succeed beyond politics.
“We should please remain peaceful and united in APC for the seek of God as well as to shun anti party for the victory of our party”, he said.
He explained that some people were in the party spreading rumours to cause problem between him and Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri because of the seat despite Fintiri is yet to officially declare his intentions to contest.
According to him, he is not desperate in his pursuit of the senatorial seat, despite the several groups coming to urge him to contest.
“If Gov. Fintiri comes out, I am ready to step down considering his outstanding performance in the state.
“Even if you don’t like Fintiri, you know that he has worked for the state and I am not fighting him “, he said.
In his remarks, the party Chairman appreciated the aspirant for the visit and assured a level playing grounds for all.
He assured their readiness to work in accordance with the party guideline for the success of the party.
Kwancham earlier paid homage on the Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Isa Ahmadu who conferred on Kwancham the traditional title of Sarkin Fulani Mubi.
The Emir described the honour as well-deserved, citing Kwancham’s character, leadership qualities, and commitment to humanitarian activities.
Fairness, unity key to victory in 2027, Chieftain tells APC leadership in Adamawa
2027: APC promises 3.5 million votes for TINUBU in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Yobe state chapter, has promised to deliver 3.5 million votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in the 2027 presidential election.
The president of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan GCON, disclosed to newsmen in a communique issued after a meeting of all APC stakeholders, Yobe State chapter, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Damaturu.
He said in the last presidential election, Yobe state had the highest percentage performance in Nigeria, and we intend to repeat the same but with even bigger results, noting that we have, as a small state, produced election results that compete favorably against results from bigger states because of our unity and understanding shown for each other.
The communique further stated that the Yobe State APC chapter has resolved to adopt consensus as a mode of elections to produce its candidates for the governorship, national assembly membership, and state assembly membership that is out of the two modes specified in the electorate act, consensus and direct; the APC has fixed consensus.
“And from our previous experience, consensus has always worked for us in this state in APC, and a candidate that emerges in any position will receive the support of all in this party, including, of course, aspirants who would have wished that were fixed. We support our candidates whenever they emerge.
He said the national members from Yobe State have always worked very closely and harmoniously with the state government, which has always been in APC in the last few years, especially during the Geidam era and, of course, presently with the Rt. Hon. Mai Mala Buni administration, and therefore this will continue because we have always seen the benefit of understanding and supporting each other.
2027: APC promises 3.5 million votes for TINUBU in Yobe
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