By Abdulkareem Haruna

About three weeks ago, Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, made a resounding declaration about the state’s future – a declaration that ignited intense political speculation that had been largely dormant for nearly eight years.

Last month, at a well-attended stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno, the Governor dropped a “balloon-bursting” pin that deflated entrenched egos and reset wild assumptions.
Governor Zulum, who briefly paused his annual leave to attend the meeting, made several courageous pronouncements regarding the ruling party’s structure. Most notably, he pledged to ensure fairness in power distribution—a move that may compel several “sit-tight” party executives who have been up to eight years in office, to either relinquish or seek alternative roles to make room for fresh hands. However, the statement that truly caught observers off-balance was his firm assertion about his would-be successor: he emphatically said that “I have no anointed candidate.” He further noted that only God knows who will eventually take the mantle.
This powerful pronouncement, coming just about 16 months before the end of his impactful tenure, has left political observers wondering if Zulum is deviating from the typical Nigerian political playbook.
One may wonder what may have inspired the Governor’s declaration on the subject matter. Well, those keeping a tab on the politics of Borno would not miss the fact that the Governor’s declaration follows a trail of rumours suggesting he had already favoured a specific notable official in his government to anchor his political legacy heading into 2027. Party sources indicate that while Zulum has never publicly endorsed a successor, pundits had already begun quiet permutations among various interest groups. That unverified rumor had somehow gained traction and nearly causing some form of bad blood within the party. So, the governor had to convene the all-important stakeholders meeting to clear the air especially ahead of the party’s congresses.

Governor Zulum’s ‘no-anointed-candidate’ declaration may clarify his current stance on 2027, but as he nears the end of his two terms, it doesn’t rule out the possibility that he has a preferred successor in mind. Rather, it suggests that as a committed democrat, Zulum, perhaps, prefers a process that aligns with democratic norms – just like his own emergence eight years ago.

Ultimately, at the end of the day it is certain that any qualified and lucky  individual sanctioned by providence could potentially emerge as the APC flag bearer for 2027.

The Culture of the Successor
In Borno State, a unique political culture has taken root within the ruling party: it is nearly forbidden for any individual, regardless of influence, to mobilize a gubernatorial campaign unless sanctioned by the sitting governor and a few respected influential leaders of thought. From 2007 to the present, politicians within the APP, then the ANPP, and now the APC, have generally kept their ambitions private. The party, which consistently controls both the executive and the House of Assembly, operates as a close-knit circle of loyalists where the Governor traditionally acts as the ultimate gatekeeper for the ticket.
The only break in this pattern occurred in 2003, when Senator Ali Modu Sheriff’s quest for the seat drove the incumbent, Governor Mala Kachalla, to the AD, where he was ultimately defeated. Since then, the pattern has held firm.
In 2007, former Deputy Governor Adamu Yuguda Dibal challenged the norm but lost to the preferred candidate, Engineer Modu Fannami Gubio. Tragically, Gubio was assassinated shortly after his declaration. When the party reconvened for another primary that ultimately produced Kashim Shettima, even former Deputy Governor Dibal had no option than to serve as the Agent for the new preferred candidate during the brief primaries.

In 2019, as then-Governor Kashim Shettima prepared to vacate office, he initially maintained a dramatic air of neutrality, encouraging several ambitious stalwarts to purchase nomination forms. Ultimately, however, he threw his weight behind Zulum.

It is seven years now, and the time has come to prepare a successor. Is  Governor Zulum going to  depart from this well ‘established’ tradition of anointment? Or would he rather outsource that privilege?  Only time will tell.

Despite the Governor’s neutrality, the ruling APC is buzzing with talk of suspected potential successors. Though these secret ‘aspirants’ seem very careful not to betray their ambitions, not even by their body language, their names continue to circulate across political circles.
The Humanitarian Times has elaborately collated the list of likely potential successors from the rumor mails. And in no particularly order the list compromise:
• Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (SAN)
• Senator Abubakar Kyari (Agric and food security minister)
• Senator Baba Kaka Garbai (former senator Borno central)
• Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Senate Chief whip)
• Dr. Abba Wakilbe (Commissioner of Education)
• Engineer Adam Bababe (Executive Secretary BOGIS)
• Hon. Sugun Mai Mele (Commissioner Local Government and Emirate Affairs)
• Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori ( APC Deputy National Chairman North)
• Engr. Dr. Babagana Mallumbe Mustapha (Chief of Staff to Zulum and Commissioner budget and planning)
• Alhaji Goni Alkali (MD NEDC)  etc.

As stated earlier, none of these notable names have openly declared their candidacy, but their names dominate political discussions and wild permutations across various fora.

Governor Zulum maintains a strong working and political relationship with all these figures, which perhaps explains his reluctance to “rock the boat” by showing early preference.

As one top party chieftain, speaking on the condition of anonymity, put it: “Whether we like it or not, in the fullness of time, Governor Zulum will play a major role in determining who rules Borno come May 29, 2027.”

While we all wait for that interesting moment to come, the Governor has insisted on maintaining a one, undivided ruling party before, during and even after he has left the scene as the 7th democratically elected governor of Borno.