The Special Adviser on Media and Spokesperson to the Borno State Governor, Dauda Illiya, has dismissed reports claiming Governor Babagana Zulum endorsed his immediate past Commissioner of Works and Housing, Mustapha Gubio, as his preferred successor in the 2027 governorship race.

In a statement on Wednesday, Illiya clarified that the governor only “anointed” Gubio during a political engagement in Abuja and did not endorse him for the election.

He said contrary to media reports, “Zulum on Tuesday anointed Mustapha Gubio shortly after receiving a delegation that presented the purchased Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for the governorship contest under the ruling All Progressives Congress.”

The statement, titled “Zulum anoints, not endorses Gubio as his successor,” explained that the governor’s action was part of a routine political tradition.

Illiya said, “Receiving contestants is a routine tradition of responsible leaders to bless and offer prayers for success in democratic dispensation.”

He added that Governor Zulum, as APC leader in the state, also received other aspirants, including those contesting for Borno North Senatorial and House of Representatives seats, who similarly presented their nomination forms.

According to him, “Governor Zulum… not only received Engr. Gubio, who has indicated interest in vying for the governorship seat and was the first to obtain the nomination and expression of interest forms, but also received contestants for Borno North Senatorial seat, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and House of Representatives member for Monguno/Nganzai/Marte Federal Constituency, Hon. Bukar Talba, among others.”

Illiya maintained that Zulum remains “a committed democrat who believes in inclusivity,” adding that the governor had earlier informed stakeholders at a meeting on April 25 at the Government House that another session would be convened to formally present the party’s candidates.

Meanwhile, Mustapha Gubio, a former Commissioner for Works and Housing, had earlier picked up the APC nomination form to contest the next governorship election in the state, according to earlier reports.

Gubio, who resigned from the cabinet before declaring interest in the race, previously supervised infrastructure projects during his tenure as commissioner. (The PUNCH)