Zulum Promises Stronger, More Prosperous Borno Before Exit

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has pledged to leave behind a safer, more stable and economically stronger state at the end of his administration, expressing confidence that ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity and drive development will yield even greater results before his tenure expires.

The governor made the declaration while receiving a delegation of prominent sons and daughters of Gubio Local Government Area at the Government House in Maiduguri.

The delegation, led by elder statesman Alhaji Gambo Gubio, visited the governor alongside the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, in what observers view as a significant political gathering ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

Addressing the visitors, Zulum acknowledged that security remains the most challenging issue confronting his administration but expressed optimism that conditions would improve further before he leaves office.

“Security is the most difficult issue. Insha Allah, before I leave, the situation will be better than now. I will hand over a more stable, more prosperous and more secure government to Engr. Mustapha Gubio,” the governor said.

His remarks come at a time when Borno State continues to grapple with the lingering effects of insurgency, displacement and humanitarian challenges despite significant gains recorded in recent years.

Since assuming office in 2019, Zulum has earned national recognition for his hands-on leadership style, frequent visits to conflict-affected communities and aggressive investments in reconstruction, education, healthcare and resettlement programmes.

Reflecting on the early days of his administration, the governor recalled the intense demands imposed by the security crisis.

“When I took over leadership of the state, in the first 55 days of my administration, I saw my children only three times. The first four years were really challenging, but Almighty Allah has helped us to see light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

Zulum stressed that sustaining achievements in governance is often more difficult than attaining them and urged stakeholders to continue supporting the APC governorship candidate.

“What matters is not just success; managing success is more difficult than achieving success itself,” he stated.

The governor described Mustapha Gubio as a trustworthy and capable leader whose character and experience make him well suited for higher responsibilities.

“I have known him for over 26 years. His integrity is evident. He is humane, gentle and composed. Insha Allah, God will help him steer the mantle of leadership in Borno State,” Zulum said.

The endorsement further reinforces the governor’s influence within the APC and signals a clear effort to consolidate party unity ahead of future political contests.

Leader of the delegation, Alhaji Gambo Gubio, expressed gratitude to the governor for his support toward the emergence of Mustapha Gubio as the party’s governorship candidate.

He described the APC flagbearer as a worthy representative of Gubio Local Government Area and commended Zulum for what he characterised as remarkable achievements in governance, infrastructure development and security management.

“We are here today to express our profound gratitude. Words alone cannot adequately convey the depth of our appreciation,” Gambo said.

Political observers say Zulum’s endorsement carries considerable weight in Borno politics, where his administration continues to enjoy strong public support due to its reconstruction efforts and security interventions.

As preparations gradually begin for the next political transition, the governor’s latest remarks offer insight into the legacy he hopes to leave behind one defined by improved security, economic growth and institutional stability.

Whether those ambitions are fully realised before the end of his tenure remains to be seen, but the governor’s message was clear: he intends to hand over a stronger Borno than the one he inherited in 2019.