By Hamza Suleiman
Borno governor, Babagana Zulum has said his endorsement of Mustapha Gubio as his successor was a strategic decision anchored on continuity, experience and a commitment to maintaining peace, resilience and transformational governance in Borno State.
Zulum said this while explaining his decision to anoint Gubio as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election in a statement on Tuesday.
The Borno State Governor spoke in Abuja while presenting Gubio with the expression of interest and nomination forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, on Wednesday, the governor said the move was aimed at sustaining the development strides recorded under his administration.
“I know how I came in as Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RRR) and how the office shaped a governance standard that changed the lives of our citizenry. Engr Gubio has demonstrated similar discipline, courage and uncommon commitment to public service,” Zulum said.
He noted that Gubio had shown exceptional capacity in overseeing critical infrastructure projects, particularly in housing development across urban and rural communities, which had significantly improved living conditions in the state.
The governor added that beyond infrastructure, Gubio had played a key role in rebuilding communities affected by insurgency, especially during his tenure as Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement.
According to the statement, Gubio spearheaded reconstruction efforts in conflict-affected areas such as Bama, Konduga, Damasak and Mafa Local Government Areas, ensuring the restoration of schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.
Zulum said the achievements aligned with his administration’s vision of recovery, stability and sustainable development, describing Gubio as a natural choice to consolidate ongoing progress.