ADC Senatorial Candidate (Borno South), Alhaji Idris Mamman Durkwa
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled its consensus candidates for the three senatorial districts in Borno State ahead of the 2027 general elections, while simultaneously conducting governorship, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries across the state.
The party confirmed Alhaji Idris Mamman Durkwa as its consensus candidate for Borno South Senatorial District, Bulama Fugu Ibrahim for Borno North, and Babagana Zanna for Borno Central.
The governorship primary, however, was contested among three aspirants after efforts to reach a consensus failed. The aspirants are Alhaji Attom Muhammad Magira, Babagana Mamman Buhari and Rear Admiral Sanusi Kashim Ibrahim (Rtd). Collation of results was still ongoing at the time of filing this report.
The exercises were conducted simultaneously across the 27 local government areas of the state under the supervision of a seven-member electoral committee and a three-member appeals committee.
Mai Adamu Mustapha chaired the electoral committee, with Luka Tokwang Wakili serving as secretary, while Barrister Mohammed Sale Dukas headed the appeals committee alongside Ka Malum as secretary.
Durkwa, a former Federal Permanent Secretary and ex-member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), had previously challenged Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume during the APC senatorial primaries ahead of the 2023 elections but lost the ticket. He later defected to the ADC, where he has become a prominent figure in Southern Borno politics.
Speaking during his formal declaration and affirmation ceremony held in Biu Local Government Area on Saturday, May 23, 2026, Durkwa expressed confidence that he would defeat all opponents, including the incumbent senator, in the 2027 polls.
“I stand before you this Day with great honour to formally accept my unanimous endorsement as the Senatorial candidate of our great party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general elections in Borno South.
“Firstly, I am indebted to Almighty Allah (God) for giving us the opportunity to witness this historic event.
“I wish to sincerely extend my deepest appreciation to all stakeholders and our teaming supporters, too numerous to mention for your exemplary leadership, unwavering support, and commitment to the advancement, unity and development of our great party,” he said.
Durkwa recalled that party stakeholders had earlier endorsed him during a strategic meeting themed, “Repositioning ADC for Unity, Growth, and Electoral Success in Southern Borno Senatorial District.”
According to him, the endorsement reflected the confidence party members and supporters have in his vision for the district.
“I am humbled by the overwhelming support and solidarity demonstrated by the leadership of our party at all levels, traditional and religious leaders, elders, stakeholders, party supporters, youth and women groups, and indeed the entire people of Southern Borno for the confidence reposed in me to contest as Senator on the platform of our great party in the forthcoming 2027 polls.
“This affirmation is a reflection of the trust and confidence the teaming ADC Stakeholders/members of Southern Borno have continued to place in our collective vision to ensure progress, inclusion and development,” Durkwa added.
The former APC stalwart accused current representatives of failing the people of Southern Borno, citing insecurity, poor infrastructure and inadequate social amenities as major concerns.
“It is no longer news that our people have suffered severe neglect orchestrated by poor representation at the National Assembly, which have caused Southern Borno to continue suffer lack of good roads and network connectivity, potable drinking water and other basic social infrastructures.
“Our zone which was recognized as a safer area even during the peak of the insurgency, has now turned into a battlefield due to poor representation,” he stated.
He further lamented the security situation in communities such as Chibok, Gwoza, Damboa, Askira-Uba, Hawul and Biu, alleging that residents now live in fear because of recurring attacks, abductions and destruction of property.
“Our innocent people, especially the resilient ones in Chibok, Gwoza, Damboa, Askira-Uba, Hawul and even Biu now leaves in fear and despair due to unconfrontational killings, abductions, and destruction of hard-earned property by the citizenry. This is unacceptable,” he said.
Durkwa promised that if elected, he would pursue inclusive governance, support security efforts, promote education and vocational training, improve healthcare delivery and encourage agricultural empowerment across the district.
“By the will of Allah, if given the mandate, collectively we shall operate an open-door policy, with inclusivity. We shall intensify efforts aims to address or nip in the bud the issue of insurgency and other forms of insecurity bedevilling our constituents,” he pledged.
Earlier, the Borno State Chairman of the ADC, Hon. Kolo Bukar, said the party remained committed to internal democracy and fairness for all aspirants.
He explained that aspirants unable to secure consensus tickets were given equal opportunities to test their popularity through the primaries.
Also speaking, the party’s Organising Secretary in the state, Muhammed Bolori, expressed confidence in the ADC’s chances in the 2027 elections.
“We are gathered here today for the affirmation of our consensus candidates.
“For the senatorial position, there is no contest. All three consensus candidates have been affirmed. There is no opposition in that. We have reached a consensus,” Bolori said.
He disclosed that about 25 State House of Assembly candidates and several House of Representatives aspirants also emerged through consensus arrangements.
“As you all see, we have almost 25 state houses of assembly, and seven houses of representatives. That is the unopposed consensus candidates,” he added.
Bolori noted that the party had completed arrangements for the remaining primaries covering constituencies such as Jere, Gwoza/Chibok/Damboa and Hawul/Askira-Uba federal constituencies.
He maintained that the ADC was positioning itself as a credible alternative for Nigerians dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in the country.
“We have 100 percent confidence in winning the elections, and we are very sure that the masses are with us, knowing how the situation of the country is today and people are looking for a party that will come and salvage the situation. We are here for them,” he stated.
