By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Babagana Umara Zulum has rejected calls to contest for a Senate seat in the 2027 general elections. He made the announcement on Wednesday during the All Progressives Congress stakeholders’ meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State. The meeting focused on preparations for the House of Representatives primary election scheduled for Thursday. Zulum said he chose party unity over personal ambition to preserve peace and cohesion within the APC.
Zulum Rejects Pressure To Contest Senate Seat
The governor revealed that supporters, friends and family members pressured him to run for the Senate. However, he declined the calls to avoid political tension within the party.
“Despite the overwhelming pressure from supporters and people close to me, I chose party unity and cohesion over my personal ambition,” Zulum said.
He explained that maintaining cordial relationships among party members remained his priority.
“I told them that I’m not vying for the Senate to maintain cordial relationships and allow peace to reign,” he added.
APC Stakeholders Push For Consensus Candidates
During the meeting, APC stakeholders agreed to intensify efforts toward adopting consensus candidates. They believe the arrangement will prevent internal divisions ahead of the elections.
Ali Bukar Dalori described consensus as a strategy that promotes inclusion and reduces disputes among aspirants.
“We don’t want to have problems in Borno, Northeast and the North,” Dalori said.
“With consensus, we will give the party bloc votes, better than what was produced during the 2023 general election,” he added.
Zulum Supports Consensus But Backs Democratic Process
Zulum encouraged aspirants to embrace consensus arrangements in the interest of party unity. Nevertheless, he insisted that the APC should conduct primaries in constituencies where consensus fails.
“As a democrat, I will not force any candidate on a particular constituency,” the governor stated.
He also urged party members to continue consultations with stakeholders to ensure peaceful agreements.
APC Chairman Commends Party Leaders
Bello Ayuba said the party had largely adopted consensus as its preferred option for resolving contests among aspirants.
He praised party leaders and stakeholders for showing sportsmanship and making sacrifices for the party’s stability.
“We must thank God and appreciate the sacrifices of our leaders for the sportsmanship,” Ayuba said.
He further urged aspirants to accept the outcome of the process peacefully.
“It’s God that gives power to whom He wishes and retrieves it at will,” he stated.
Lawmakers Praised For Sacrifice
Ayuba also commended several lawmakers who decided against seeking re-election to strengthen party cohesion.
Those praised included:
- Abdullahi Askira
- Mohammed Zakaria
- Baba Mala Bukar Sunoma
- Mustapha Alone
According to Ayuba, their decisions reflected commitment to party unity above personal interests.
Conclusion
The APC stakeholders’ meeting in Borno highlighted the party’s determination to maintain internal unity ahead of the 2027 elections. Zulum’s decision to reject a Senate ambition has further strengthened the push for consensus candidates across constituencies.
