Zulum Declares: ‘I Don’t Know Who Will Succeed Me in 2027’

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has openly stated that he has no idea who will take over from him when his second term ends in May 2027, emphasizing that the choice lies with God and the democratic process.

The governor made this declaration over the weekend during a crucial stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri. Addressing party leaders, elected officials, and members, Zulum reiterated his commitment to ensuring a fair, transparent, and just process in the upcoming party congresses for electing officials.

He stressed that maintaining the integrity of this process is essential for the party’s unity and long-term success. “The integrity of the process is paramount for the party’s unity and future success,” Zulum said, advocating for fresh faces to take up various party positions to strengthen grassroots structures and promote inclusivity.

The governor urged APC stakeholders to allow new individuals to emerge through democratic means, dismissing any speculations about his personal influence on the party’s future tickets. He firmly denied anointing any candidate for party roles or elective offices, stating, “I have no candidate for any position, and I do not know who will succeed me. I have entrusted the choice of leaders to Almighty Allah, in accordance with the democratic will of the party members and the people of Borno State.”

Zulum also highlighted his administration’s ongoing focus on bolstering security and delivering developmental projects to the people of Borno, a state that has been grappling with insurgency challenges for over a decade. He noted that his government remains dedicated to these priorities rather than engaging in succession politics.

In a move to enhance party operations, the governor announced the formation of two committees tasked with scaling up APC’s e-registration drive and reconciling members. The 10-man e-registration committee will be chaired by Nigeria’s former Ambassador to China, Baba Ahmed Jidda, with members representing the state’s three senatorial districts.

The meeting drew a high-profile attendance, including Acting Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, former Governor Maina Ma’aji Lawan, APC Deputy National Chairman Ali Bukar Dalori, State APC Chairman Bello Ayuba, and three former deputy governors: Ali Abubakar Jatau, Adamu Shettim Dibal, and Usman Mamman Durkwa. Also present were Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, 10 House of Representatives members—including Dr. Midala Balami, who used the occasion to announce his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—and the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, along with his deputy and 25 other lawmakers. Other notable figures included former Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai, Dr. Bulama Mali Gubio, and senior government and party officials.

Zulum’s statement has sparked discussions across social media and political circles, with some users on X (formerly Twitter) viewing it as a strategic move to preserve party unity. One user noted, “Zulum’s ‘no successor’ comment isn’t uncertainty, it’s strategy. Good leaders don’t impose, they protect unity and let credible leaders emerge.”

In a related development, Governor Zulum recently unveiled Rayyan Microfinance Bank in Maiduguri, describing it as a vital tool for financial inclusion and economic recovery in the post-insurgency era. The ethical-compliant digital bank offers non-interest financing and services aimed at low-income individuals, small businesses, and communities rebuilding from years of conflict. Zulum directed the State Ministry of Finance to open an account with the bank, underscoring its role in reducing poverty and promoting growth. “Microfinance banks are crucial for driving financial inclusion, reducing poverty and promoting economic growth,” he said during the unveiling.

As Borno prepares for the 2027 elections, Zulum’s hands-off approach signals a push for genuine democracy within the APC, potentially setting the stage for a competitive race in the North-East state.