Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Abdullahi Musa Askira
Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Abdullahi Musa Askira, has announced his withdrawal from the race for the Borno South Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, throwing his weight behind the incumbent senator, Mohammed Ali Ndume.
Askira made the announcement on Thursday during a press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre in Maiduguri, citing extensive consultations with key political figures and stakeholders across the state.
According to him, the decision came after engagements with Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), elders, and stakeholders from the nine local government areas in Southern Borno.
He explained that his initial ambition followed calls from political leaders and constituents urging him to contest the Senate seat, but noted that the overriding interest of the party and the zone informed his eventual withdrawal.
“However, after wide consultations and deep reflection, and particularly following recent meeting with His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, FNSE, CON, mni, the Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State.
“I have taken the decision to formally withdraw from the race in the best interest of our great party, the Southern Borno Zone, and Borno State at large.
“In that spirit, I wholeheartedly endorse and pledge my total support for my brother, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume to continue representing Southern Borno in the Senate,” he said.
The lawmaker called on his supporters across the zone to align with the decision and rally behind Ndume to ensure victory for the APC in the forthcoming elections.
“Accordingly, I urge all my supporters across the nine (9) Local Government Areas of the zone to accept this decision in good faith, close ranks, and extend their unflinching support to Senator Ndume.
“I wish to appeal to my supporters to work together to ensure victory for the APC in all elections in 2027. I firmly believe that power belongs to Almighty Allah alone: He bestows it on whom,” he added.
Askira also expressed appreciation to his supporters, campaign team, and political associates for their unwavering backing.
“To my loyal supporters, campaign council, and media team: I am deeply grateful for your sacrifice, commitment, and belief in our cause. Your efforts are not in vain, and I remain eternally indebted to you.
“At this point, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON: the Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, FNSE, CON, mni.
“My esteemed colleagues in the Borno State House of Assembly, stakeholders, elders, youths, and women of Southern Borno for the overwhelming support, encouragement, and confidence you reposed in me to contest for the Southern Borno Senatorial Seat under our great party, the APC and throughout my political career,” Abdullahi stated.
