The member representing Magumeri Local Government Area in the Borno State House of Assembly, Audu Mustapha, has dismissed reports and a viral video circulating on social media claiming that he broke down in tears while pleading with constituents to support his re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The lawmaker clarified that the emotional moment captured in the video was not linked to any political setback or rejection by his party, but rather an expression of gratitude after over 100 constituents surprised him by purchasing his nomination and expression of interest forms.
Mustapha made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday by his Media Consultant, Babakura Bukar.
According to the statement, the reports being circulated online were “misleading” and did not reflect what truly transpired.
“The attention of the office of the Member, House of Assembly, Magumeri State Constituency, Borno State Hon Audu Mustapha was drawn to a misleading report circulating alongside a video clip of the Hon Member, falsely suggesting that last Wednesday, he was in tears over the party’s nomination decision.
“We wish to in that regard state that, this narrative is entirely untrue and a misrepresentation of the facts.”
The statement further stressed that the ruling All Progressives Congress had not concluded its primary process, noting that no candidate had been denied or imposed for any elective office in Borno State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, (his party) the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not choose candidates for elective positions in the manner described in the reports and video to any position in Borno State or anywhere since formation, and the party has not concluded its primary process, as such, no candidate has been imposed or denied ticket at this stage.
“The claim that the Hon. Member has lost his seat to another candidate is therefore baseless and unfounded.”
The media aide explained that Mustapha became emotional after 106 constituents collectively contributed funds to purchase the nomination and expression of interest forms for him as a mark of confidence in his leadership.
“Instead, the Hon. Member became emotional in the video out of overwhelming gratitude and joy when 106 of his constituents collectively purchased the Nomination and Expression Interest forms and presented to him in his house, using their own resources stating that the people have always been the ones buying the forms for him.
“This rare and heartfelt gesture of confidence and support naturally moved him into emotional tears of joy.”
The statement added that the gesture by the constituents was also aimed at dispelling rumours that another candidate had already secured the party’s ticket.
“It is therefore important to emphasize that his reaction was not borne out of disappointment or grievance, but from deep appreciation of the trust and solidarity shown by the 106 constituents, and generality of the people of Magumeri LGA, was purposely to exonerate the party from the mischief of giving the ticket to another person despite buying the form.
“The public is kindly urged to disregard the false and misleading claims being circulated and to rely only on verified information, rather than depending ignorantly on social media contents and mischief makers,” Dr. Bukar explained.
