Gwoza Emirate, Stakeholders Endorse Ali Isa Abdullahi as APC Deputy Governorship Candidate

The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Mustapha Idrissa Timta, on Sunday led a high-powered delegation of traditional rulers, political leaders and stakeholders from the Gwoza Emirate on a solidarity visit to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, to express support for the emergence of Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi as the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 general election.

The visit came less than 24 hours after the Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, accompanied by 27 district heads and other stakeholders from the Biu Emirate, paid a similar solidarity visit to Governor Zulum following the party's selection of its governorship ticket.

Addressing the gathering at the Government House in Maiduguri, the Emir of Gwoza said the delegation was in the state capital to appreciate the governor for the emergence of Engineer Mustapha Gubio as the APC governorship candidate and Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi as his running mate.

He described both candidates as experienced and capable leaders with the competence to consolidate on the developmental strides recorded under the current administration.

According to the royal father, the people of the Gwoza Emirate are united in their support for the APC ticket and remain confident that the candidates possess the leadership qualities required to move the state forward.

"Your Excellency, we are here at the Government House to show our solidarity and respect for the Governor for choosing Engineer Mustapha Gubio and Ali Isa Abdullahi as his running mate," the Emir said.

The monarch recalled that Engineer Gubio had worked closely with Governor Zulum during his tenure as Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RRR), noting that their collaboration played a significant role in the rebuilding and resettlement of communities devastated by insurgency, including Gwoza town.

He also commended the choice of Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi, describing him as a hardworking, dedicated and competent public servant who enjoys the confidence of his people.

Responding, Governor Zulum thanked the Emir of Gwoza and members of the delegation for the show of solidarity, describing the visit as a demonstration of unity and widespread confidence in the APC's governorship ticket.

He said the overwhelming support from traditional institutions and community leaders reflected the credibility and acceptance of the party's candidates across the state.

"Your visit is a clear indication that our deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi, is a person of proven integrity and enjoys the confidence of his people," the governor said.

Governor Zulum maintained that the emergence of Engineer Mustapha Gubio as governorship candidate and Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi as deputy governorship candidate was an act of divine providence, urging party faithful and supporters to remain united and continue praying for the success of the APC in the 2027 elections.

"The emergence of Engineer Mustapha Gubio and Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi is by the will of Almighty Allah. Power belongs to Allah, and He gives it to whom He wills at the appointed time. I urge everyone to rally round and pray for their success," he said.

The governor also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration's commitment to post-insurgency recovery and resettlement efforts across Borno State.

He disclosed that the state government would construct a modern school on the site of the former Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp while continuing efforts to resettle the remaining communities affected by insurgency.

"The evacuation of IDPs has commenced in earnest and will soon be completed. We will construct a befitting school on the premises and ensure the resettlement of the remaining communities," Zulum assured.

The meeting was attended by the APC governorship candidate, Engineer Mustapha Gubio; the party's deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi; Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) and Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan (Borno Central); members of the House of Representatives, Abdulkadir Rahis and Engineer Bukar Talba; APC State Chairman, Alhaji Bello Ayuba; alongside other party leaders and stakeholders.

The successive solidarity visits by the Biu and Gwoza emirates underscore growing support from traditional institutions and political stakeholders for the APC's 2027 governorship ticket as the party begins mobilising ahead of the election.