Politics
Defeated Borno APC Senatorial Aspirant Alleges Imposition of Candidates, Irregularities
Defeated Borno APC Senatorial Aspirant Alleges Imposition of Candidates, Irregularities
By: Michael Mike
Southern Borno Senatorial Aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Idris Durkwa has expressed shock over alleged imposition of candidates on delegates in the primary in the senatorial district.
Durkwa who lost the primary to incumbent senator, Ali Ndume during Saturday’s primary, In a press statement he personally signed and made available to our journalists in Maiduguri, said the entire processes beginning from the state House of Assemblies, House of Representatives and the Senatorial primaries in Borno South were marred with irregularities.
The statement read: “Gentlemen of the Press, as you are aware on the happenings that have characterized the All Progressives Congress, APC primaries in Southern Borno Senatorial District.
“Worrisome is that, the whole exercise in the zone, beginning from the House of Assemblies, House of Representatives and the senatorial primaries were not conducted in a free and fair atmosphere, as it were marred with irregularities and imposition of candidates at the detriment of the electoral Act and democratic participation.
“You all know that, I am a very loyal member and a stakeholder of our great party who have contributed immensely to its growth and development.
“Gentlemen, this was not the first time, I am contesting for a position on the platform of the APC. You may recall that in 2018, I contested for the position of the Governor of our dear State, and was short changed in the process by the powers that be during the primary election which produced the incumbent Governor Babagana Umara Zulum as candidate.”
He added: “As a patriotic citizen who believes in one Nigeria, and the concern I have for my good people in Southern Borno, I offered myself again, to aspire for the Senatorship in 2022 on the same platform of the APC, with the sole intention of salvaging my people from the bondage of poverty, lack of social infrastructures, poor educational system, bad road network, agricultural decay and injustice due to poor representation.
“Unfortunately, another set of gang up against my aspiration just like in 2018 primaries, became glaringly from the day of my screening before the screening panel of the party. You may wish to know that in 2018, I was screened and cleared to contest for the gubernatorial primaries. However, I was declared not qualified to aspire for the Southern Borno senatorial race by the panel without giving any constitutional reasons to back my purported disqualification.
“It took all my teaming supporters by surprise when they heard of my disqualification, but the truth manifested itself, as I was later cleared and declared fit to aspire by the party’s Screening Appeal Panel.
“As I prepared to set in motion, and mobilized my teeming supporters, political associates and friends for the campaign proper, an assassination attempt was laid on my entourage last Sunday, 22nd May, 2022 at about 9am by yet to be identified gunmen who laid ambush on us along Maiduguri- Damaturu road, in between Jakana and Mainok villages.
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“In that ambush, two policemen in the entourage were gunned down on the spot, with several others sustained gunshot injuries. Besides, my personal vehicle was shattered with over 12 bullets, after setting ablaze one of the vehicles. Although, these killers are yet to be fished out by security agencies, I thank God and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased police officers, and May Allah comfort their families.
“More so, I am worried that a day to the primaries, hundreds of security personnel were mobilized by the State Government to Biu town who also took part in aiding the whole process at the detriment of delegates from exercising their franchise. Be that as it may, I have already make up my mind not to be used as scapegoats to shade people’s blood because of politics, as the blood of any Southern Borno person is worth better than any other interest.
“Unfortunately, I watched all the processes with keen interest and dismay that even before the senatorial primaries, the House of Assemblies and House of Representatives primaries were characterized with irregularities and imposition of candidates against the wishes of the people.
“Worst still, it is on record that at last hour, there were changes in the Delegates’ list from all the nine (9) local government areas of southern Borno by the powers that be with importation of some people or outsiders being used as delegates who affirmed candidates of their choice at the detriment of other Aspirants and their supporters.
“Surprisingly, was a text message I received from Governor Babagana Umara Zulum a day before the party primaries, which I concluded that, the governor who was supposed to be neutral, has already taken side against my aspiration and the wishes of Southern Borno people. The governor’s text read as follows…….’Good morning my brother. I came back from Abuja yesterday and we have decided to provide support for the incumbent Senator Ndume to emerge as the candidate. However, power belongs to Allah and he gives to whom he will. Where feasible, please accept our decision and if not feasible, I hold no grudge against you. Thank you’.
“But with my determination to represent my good people of southern Borno, I decided to move on with my ambition to contest, despite all odds that herald my aspiration.
“Contrary to the Electoral Act 2022 Provisions, where the party is to hold a Special Congress in the Senatorial District with Delegates voting for Aspirants of their choice in a designated centre, unbelievably, we noticed that the exercise were perpetuated to be held separately in each of the nine (9) local government areas under the full supervision of officials appointed by the Borno State Government with high degree of impunity without the presence of the electoral committee.
“With these unwholesome developments, I wish to categorically state that; the whole process is a charade, as the outcome has already been undemocratically predetermined, which infringed on my constitutional Right. It has also impede on the 2022 Electoral Act Provisions.
“I therefore urge my teaming supporters to remain calm and be law abiding, as I continue with consultations on the way forward to come up with a critical position to seek for redress.”
Defeated Borno APC Senatorial Aspirant Alleges Imposition of Candidates, Irregularities
News
Borno APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Signal Early Political Realignment
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
Politics
Fairness, unity key to victory in 2027, Chieftain tells APC leadership in Adamawa
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
Politics
2027: APC promises 3.5 million votes for TINUBU in Yobe
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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