Engr. Mustapha Gubio and Senator Kaka Shehu
The political landscape in Borno State has taken a dramatic turn as intense political maneuvering continues over who will succeed Governor Babagana Umara Zulum in 2027.
What began as quiet succession talks within the ruling APC has gradually evolved into one of the most emotionally charged political contests in the state’s recent history, involving powerful political figures, loyalists, stakeholders and supporters across the state.
The succession debate dates back to the early years of Governor Zulum’s administration, when political interests and alignments started forming around the question of who would eventually take over the mantle of leadership after his second tenure.
At the time, the race reportedly attracted over a dozen governorship hopefuls, creating tension among political heavyweights, both old and young, many of whom had never contested for the governorship position before.
The political atmosphere became heated as consultations, caucus meetings and negotiations intensified among party leaders, community elders, religious leaders and influential stakeholders within and outside the state.
Governor Zulum himself emerged in 2019 through a consensus arrangement championed by former governor and current Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Before becoming governor, Zulum had built a reputation as an academic and administrator, serving as Rector of the state-owned polytechnic before later becoming commissioner in the state cabinet.
His emergence as consensus candidate in 2019 reportedly ended a prolonged political contest among several aspirants after interventions by party leaders and stakeholders.
However, despite the eventual peace that followed the reconciliation process, political observers say many believed Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan was originally favoured to succeed Kashim Shettima before the consensus arrangement shifted support to Zulum.
According to political insiders, part of the understanding reached during the reconciliation process was that Kaka Shehu Lawan would eventually succeed Zulum after the governor completed his tenure.
Supporters of the senator argue that he remained loyal and committed to the governor from 2019 till date based on that understanding.
Over the years, Kaka Shehu reportedly maintained close political ties with the governor while strengthening his grassroots support across the state.
But as the 2027 succession battle intensified, political calculations appeared to change.
Governor Zulum, after a series of consultations and appeals, reportedly insisted that his successor should emerge from members of his cabinet, a decision that opened the field to several commissioners and top government officials.
Among those said to have shown interest in the governorship race were Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bamanga Lawan; Commissioner for Education, Science, Innovation and Technology, Abba Lawan Wakilbe; Commissioner for Works and Housing, Mustapha Gubio; and the Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Shettima.
Zulum’s Assistant Chief of Staff, Engr. Babagana Mustapha Malumbe, was also widely mentioned in political discussions surrounding the succession contest.
However, the political atmosphere shifted again when Governor Zulum eventually endorsed Commissioner for Works and Housing, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, as the consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election under the platform of the APC.
The development reportedly triggered widespread disappointment among supporters of Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, many of whom had expected him to emerge as the preferred successor.
Political observers described the mood in parts of the state as emotional, with sympathisers, supporters and associates trooping to the senator’s residence in solidarity.
Despite the disappointment, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan appealed for calm and accepted the development in good faith.
In his words, Kaka Shehu Lawan said:
“Alhamdulillahi. I take everything in good faith and as a deary from God. Only Him gives power to whom He pleases and His time is the best. Everybody has his or her time for everything.”
He added:
“And this will not stop me or deter me from continuing to be loyal, obedient and committed to the governor and whoever succeed him. God’s time is the best while we will continue to prayer for good and the best.”
The senator also appreciated journalists and supporters who stood by him during the political process.
“I thank you all for your solidarity and support. You people are always with me and I am your friend and member of your constituency too. I see myself sometime as a journalist. And I am proud of you journalists from Borno State.
“I always say it and I have never granted interview or spoke to media outside Borno State or my home, Borno State. Except the day I picked my governorship nomination form in Abuja when a few of you were there briefly,” Lawan said.
With the endorsement of Engr. Mustapha Gubio, political activities within the APC in Borno have now entered a new phase ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources within the party say consultations have already commenced regarding the selection of a running mate from the southern part of the state in line with Borno’s long-standing political arrangement, where the governorship is rotated between the northern and central zones while the deputy governorship position goes to the southern zone.
Observers say lobbying and political consultations have intensified since Gubio reportedly began engaging party stakeholders and supporting some aspirants seeking elective offices within the state.
As the countdown to 2027 continues, the unfolding political drama in Borno State is expected to shape not only the future leadership of the state but also the internal dynamics of the APC in the North-East.
