Zulum: Consensus Remains Preferred Option for APC Primaries in Borno

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on aspirants seeking various elective positions under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and party stakeholders to adopt consensus as the preferred mode for candidate emergence ahead of the party primaries.

The APC primary elections are scheduled to commence on Friday, 15 May, with the House of Representatives primaries and climax on Saturday, 23 May, with the presidential primaries.

Governor Zulum made the call on Thursday during a critical stakeholders’ meeting held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri, stressing that consensus remains the most viable option for strengthening party unity.

“Let me start by appreciating all our stakeholders for the support and commitment to advancing the course of our great party, APC, and our administration,” Zulum said.

“As we prepare for the party primaries, which will commence on Friday, I want to remind all our aspirants contesting various elective positions that consensus is the best and most viable option for the party in our state. However, if we are unable to arrive at a consensus, we will go for direct primaries,” he added.

The governor further emphasized his commitment to democratic principles, assuring stakeholders that no candidate would be imposed on any constituency.

“As a democrat, I will not force any candidate on a particular constituency, but rather encourage us to continue consultations with stakeholders for consensus candidates to emerge,” Zulum stated.

He urged aspirants to reflect on the past, project better opportunities in the future and maintain party loyalty, noting that those who may not secure tickets in the 2027 elections could still have chances ahead.

Governor Zulum also announced that aspirants who voluntarily withdraw from contests would be considered for appointments and other opportunities at both the federal and state levels.

To facilitate consultations across the state, the governor constituted zonal consultative committees headed by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, for the Southern Zone; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, for the Central Zone; and Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno for the Northern Zone.

Governor Zulum also formally presented the APC consensus governorship candidate, Mustapha Gubio, to stakeholders, fulfilling the promise he made during the high-level stakeholders’ meeting held on 25 April.

APC Deputy National Chairman, Hon Ali Bukar Dalori, and State Chairman of the Party, Hon. Bello Ayuba, all re-echo the need for consensus as the means of primary election in the state.

They emphasized that consensus will strengthen party cohesion and unity in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.

The meeting was attended by prominent personalities, including Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, the APC consensus Gubernatorial candidate, Engr Mustapha Gubio, APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Former Governor, Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan, Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Mohammed Ali Ndume, and Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN, serving and former members of the House of Representatives, APC state chairman, former Nigerian Ambassador to China, Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda, Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, and other members of the House.

Others include the Secretary to the state government, the acting Chief of Staff, the Commissioner’s designate, Special Advisers, Local Government Chairmen, APC party executives, and other stakeholders.

Zulum: Consensus Remains Preferred Option for APC Primaries in Borno

Zulum elated by Tinubu’s approval of 3 federal institutions for Borno in 3 years

.. Says Borno will reciprocate the gesture in 2027

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving three major federal institutions for the state within three years of assuming office.

Zulum made the commendation on Sunday in Bama, shortly after a sympathy visit to residents affected by a devastating windstorm that struck part of the town last week.

Zulum specifically noted that since President Tinubu took office, he has approved the take-off of three vital federal institutions, including the Federal College of Education, Gwoza; the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare; and the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama.

He expressed delight that the institutions would directly transform the lives of the people of Borno through job creation, improved access to quality education, and specialised healthcare delivery.

Zulum commended President Tinubu for his sustained attention to Borno’s recovery and development needs, noting that the three federal institutions would significantly accelerate post-insurgency reconstruction and economic revitalisation.

“I want to draw your attention to the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama, by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, just two days ago.

“The pioneer principal officers were appointed. This is a remarkable achievement, and we want to hail the President for what he has done.”

“The take-off of the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, was achieved under the administration of President Tinubu; therefore, I want to commend him and assure him that the people of Borno State will reciprocate the kind gesture at the appropriate time.”

Zulum had last year announced the handover of Umar Ibn Ibrahim El-Kanemi College of Education, Science, and Technology, Bama, for the immediate commencement of academic activities at the newly established Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama. The Governor also approved one billion naira for the immediate take-off of the University.

The Governor has consistently offered similar support to the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno; Federal College of Education, Gwoza; and National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, approving over N5 billion to facilitate a seamless take-off.

The Governor also inspected ongoing construction work for the 19 Brigade headquarters in Bama, underscoring his administration’s determination to consolidate security gains and restore full civil authority around the Bama general area.

Zulum elated by Tinubu’s approval of 3 federal institutions for Borno in 3 years

Zulum Visits Bama Windstorm Victims, Approves Relief for Bereaved Families

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum on Sunday visited Bama town in the state to sympathise with victims of a devastating windstorm that destroyed hundreds of homes and claimed lives in the community.

The governor, who travelled to the affected area alongside top government officials, announced immediate relief measures for victims, including a cash donation of N500,000 to each family that lost a relative in the disaster.

Zulum was accompanied on the visit by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bukar Talba, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, Acting Chief of Staff, Babagana Malumbe, former commissioners and other senior government officials.

Addressing residents during the visit, the governor directed an immediate assessment of the scale of destruction caused by the windstorm, assuring affected households that government assistance would be provided according to the level of damage suffered.

The disaster, which swept through parts of Bama town, reportedly destroyed rooftops, buildings and other properties, leaving many residents homeless and vulnerable.

Chairman of Bama Local Government Area, Babagana Barma, disclosed that no fewer than 1,200 houses were affected by the storm, while four persons lost their lives.

Zulum described the incident as unfortunate and expressed condolences to bereaved families, assuring them that the state government would continue to stand by victims during the difficult period.

The governor, however, used the occasion to raise concerns over environmental degradation, warning residents against indiscriminate tree felling, which he identified as a major contributor to the increasing occurrence of windstorms and ecological disasters in the region.

“We must stop cutting down trees arbitrarily. This is a key factor behind the increasing intensity of storms and ecological challenges we face. We already have laws on the ground, and there is a need to ensure that we fully implement them,” he said.

Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that deforestation and desert encroachment remain major threats in many parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in states within the Sahel region, where changing climate patterns have continued to worsen flooding, erosion and wind-related disasters.

Borno State has in recent years intensified campaigns on environmental protection and tree planting as part of broader efforts to combat desertification and climate-related challenges.

During the visit, Zulum also reiterated his administration’s commitment to the safe return of displaced persons currently residing in Internally Displaced Persons camps across the state.

He assured residents that government would continue to pursue policies aimed at restoring communities devastated by years of insurgency and humanitarian crises.

Bama, one of the communities worst affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, has continued to witness gradual reconstruction and resettlement efforts under the present administration, despite recurring security and environmental challenges.

Zulum Visits Bama Windstorm Victims, Approves Relief for Bereaved Families