Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, who represents the Borno Central Senatorial District, has officially withdrawn from the state’s governorship race and thrown his support behind Mustapha Gubio as the consensus candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This development emerged from a crucial stakeholders’ meeting convened in Abuja on Thursday, as disclosed by Usman Alkali, the senator’s legislative aide. The gathering, which included key party figures and stakeholders, reached a unanimous agreement for Lawan to step aside, allowing Gubio to emerge as the party’s flagbearer.
According to Alkali, the senator is anticipated to retain his position in the Senate following this decision. The meeting was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima and saw the participation of Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, alongside APC leaders, National Assembly members, and representatives of the Borno Elders Forum.
The statement emphasized that the move was aimed at fostering unity and enhancing cohesion within the party as elections approach. In a related development, the Borno State Government confirmed that the APC has adopted Gubio as its consensus governorship candidate.
Dauda Illiya, the governor’s spokesperson, noted in a separate statement that Zulum presented Gubio to Vice President Shettima in Abuja as the party’s preferred candidate. Zulum described this selection as a unified stance within the party in the state and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and encouragement. He also acknowledged the Vice President’s role in promoting harmony among party stakeholders in Borno.
Following these events, party leaders and stakeholders are set to return to Maiduguri for further consultations.