A coalition of stakeholders under the aegis of the Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Forum has unanimously endorsed Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa (AAI) as the preferred running mate to the Borno State governorship candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio.
The endorsement was announced on Sunday during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Maiduguri.
The event brought together members of the Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Forum, the National Union of Southern Borno Students, community leaders, traditional stakeholders, youth representatives and other citizens from the region.
Addressing journalists, the Forum’s Chairman, Hon. Bulama Sawa, who also serves as the National Chairman of the Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Forum, said the decision followed extensive consultations across Southern Borno.
“We are here today to present our collective position on the choice and nomination of the Borno State Deputy Governor, Hon. Ali Abdullai Isa after extensive consultations with community leaders, traditional institutions, youth groups, women organisations, professionals, students and other stakeholders across Southern Borno.
“The Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Forum, in collaboration with the National Union of Southern Borno Students, has also unanimously resolved to support and endorse Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa (AAI), who is popularly known as Ali SEMA, for the office of Deputy Governor of Borno State,” Bulama said.
Sawa stressed that the endorsement was based on merit rather than sentiment or political considerations.
“This endorsement is neither a political favour nor an emotional appeal. It is the outcome of careful reflection on the qualities required to support the next administration and contribute meaningfully to the continued development of our state.”
He said the forum was convinced by Isa’s extensive experience in public service, humanitarian work and administration.
“We are persuaded by Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa’s record of public service, administrative competence, humanitarian leadership, integrity and deep understanding of the needs of the people of Borno State.
“For more than three decades, Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa has served Borno State with dedication and professionalism.
“Since joining the public service as an Audit Assistant in 1991, he has steadily advanced through the ranks, holding key positions, including Chief Administrative Officer (Audit) and Assistant Director of Administration at the Government House.
“Others include Director of Research and Statistics at the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and later Acting Director General of the agency,” Bulama said.
According to him, Isa’s public service career coincided with some of the most challenging periods in Borno’s history, including the insurgency, humanitarian crises and devastating floods.
“During the years of insurgency, humanitarian emergencies, floods and community rehabilitation, he played significant roles in coordinating relief efforts, overseeing humanitarian interventions, supporting internally displaced persons, facilitating the return of displaced communities and ensuring that government assistance reached those most in need.
“Those responsibilities also gave him an uncommon understanding of the state. His assignments took him across virtually every Local Government Area, allowing him to engage directly with communities, appreciate their unique circumstances and understand both their immediate concerns and long-term aspirations.”
The forum argued that Isa’s humanitarian and administrative experience would complement Gubio’s track record in reconstruction and infrastructure development.
“While Engineer Gubio has distinguished himself through his commitment to reconstruction, rehabilitation and infrastructure development, Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa has built a reputation in humanitarian coordination, public administration and community engagement.
“In our view, these strengths are complementary and would provide balanced leadership capable of sustaining and expanding the gains already recorded across the state.”
The group further described Isa as a disciplined and transparent public servant with a strong reputation for accountability.
“Throughout his public service, Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa has earned a reputation for discipline, accountability and prudent management of public resources. His background as an auditor and administrator reflects a commitment to transparency and responsible governance. His appointment by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum as Acting Director General of SEMA further demonstrated the confidence placed in his ability, credibility and character.”
Sawa also highlighted Isa’s family background, describing it as one with a longstanding tradition of public service and leadership.
According to him, Isa is from the respected Miringa family of Biu Local Government Area and is the son of the late Mallam Abdullahi Alkali Isa Miringa, a former Accountant General of Borno State and Permanent Secretary, Government House, whose service was widely acknowledged for integrity and discipline.
He added that the family has produced notable public servants, scholars, diplomats, security officials and religious leaders, including Imam Muhammad A. Isa of Usman Zira Mbulamel Juma’at Mosque, Biu, Aliyu Muhammad Biu of the National Mathematical Centre, Abuja, Professor Binta I. Zaifada, Comptroller of Customs Abubakar Ali Alkali and Ambassador Ibrahim A. Miringa, among other distinguished Nigerians.
The forum maintained that the next deputy governor should be selected based on competence, integrity and proven experience.
“As Borno State prepares for another phase of its political and developmental journey, we believe the choice of Deputy Governor should be guided by experience, competence, integrity and a proven record of service.
“In our considered opinion, Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa embodies these qualities. His years in public administration, his understanding of the humanitarian landscape and his familiarity with communities across the state have prepared him to make a meaningful contribution to governance from the first day in office.”
The group appealed to political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, as well as other stakeholders, to support Isa’s emergence as deputy governorship candidate.
“We therefore call on political leaders, traditional rulers, youth organisations, women groups, civil society organisations, religious leaders and all people of goodwill to give thoughtful consideration to the candidature of Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa (AAI) for the office of Deputy Governor of Borno State.
“Our position is not intend to diminish the credentials of any other individual. Rather, it reflects our sincere belief that public office should be entrusted to those whose experience, character and record of service best equip them to meet the challenges of governance.
“We are confident that Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa possesses the capacity, temperament and commitment required to support the next administration in advancing peace, strengthening institutions and accelerating the development of Borno State.”
The endorsement comes as political consultations and alignments continue ahead of the next governorship contest in Borno State.
