Borno 2027: Race to Succeed Zulum Heats Up

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Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum

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…as Dalori under pressure to join race

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By Ndahi Marama, Mqaiduqguri

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As the 2027 general elections are fast approaching, with permutations from different interest groups, the former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State, Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, who is now the Deputy National Chairman, DNC (North) of the party, is under pressure to succeed Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

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The clarion call on Dalori at this critical period of politicking, alignment and realignment received a boost immediately after the APC State Congress which took place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in Maiduguri, the state capital.

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Dalori is a grassroots mobilizer.

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As the Deputy National Chairman of the APC (North), he and the Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwada, have focused on party unity, transparency, and preparations for the 2027 general elections, while leading the party’s e-registration and digital reforms.

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Before becoming the Deputy National Chairman (North), he strengthened APC structures as Chairman in Borno.

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He also chaired the APC State Chairmen Forum for nine years and was also the Chairman of Inter- Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Nigeria for many years.

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Dalori’s political career began in 1991 as a councilor and later became a member of the Borno State House of Assembly and three-time Chairman of Konduga LGA.

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Born on June 16, 1962, in Dalori village, Konduga LGA, Dalori is a graduate of Public Administration from University of Maiduguri.

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The APC leader also holds an honorary doctorate in International Relations and Diplomacy and previously worked in the automobile industry.

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He is also known for his philanthropy, including a ¦ 50 million donation to Borno flood victims in 2024, as well as annual distribution of food palliatives and cash to vulnerable individuals/groups, especially Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the less privileged, especially during festive periods or time of need.

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ZULUM: I don’t know my successor

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Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has said that he does not know who will succeed him aT the expiration of his tenure in May 2027.

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The governor reiterated that his administration was focused on strengthening security and providing development for the people.

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He spoke during APC stakeholders’ meeting held at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Government House, Maiduguri.

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Addressing party leaders, elected officials and members, Zulum reiterated his stand for a fair, transparent and just process in the election of party officials and candidates of the party at any given time.

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Zulum also dismissed speculation about his influence on the party’s future ticket, which he firmly and publicly reaffirmed that he had not anointed any candidate for the upcoming party positions or for any elective position.

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“I have no candidate for any position, and I do not know who will succeed me. I have entrusted the choice of leaders to Almighty Allah, in accordance with the democratic will of the party members and the people of Borno State”, the governor declared.

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Although political pundits have been expressing their opinions, calling on various stakeholders with good pedigree to come out and contest the race for Zulum’s successor, some groups posit that Dalori stands out of the pack to succeed the governor.

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They pointed to his antecedents after rising as elected councillor for Dalori Ward in 1991 during which he was said to have performed credible well for his people at the grassroots.

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In 1992 during the General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida transition era, he was elected Chairman of Konduga Local Government under the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP)and also reportedly did well.

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As a politician who impacted positively on the lives of his people, Dalori emerged member of the Borno State House of Assembly in 2012 under the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) platform.

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Because of his inclusivity style of politics, he was elected as State Chairman of the APC in Borno, which produced Kashim Shettima as governor from 2011 to 2015.

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With the leadership of APC entrusted in the hands of Dalori and his team, Shettima was re-elected from 2019 to 2023, after which he became the Vice President.

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Dalori sustained the tempo to ensure that the APC in Borno scored 99.99% in all elections by producing Babagana Umara Zulum as governor in his first tenure and the second which will end come 2027.

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Similarly, in 2023, Dalori was appointed Deputy National Chairman (North) of APC, before he acted briefly as National Chairman of the APC.

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Prior to Zulum’s emergence as governorship candidate to succeed Shettima, over 20 personalities within the APC indicated interest to no avail.

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Apart from Dalori, some of the top would-be-contenders for the 2027 race include Senator Kaka Bashir Garbai, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (Borno Central), Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) and Senator Abubakar Kyari (Minister of Agriculture and Food Security).

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Others on the roll-call are immediate past Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri. Other potential contenders are the current Deputy Governor of the state, Hon. Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, the Managing Director/CEO of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Alhaji Goni Alkali, the longest serving Speaker in Nigeria, and Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan.

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‘Our choice’

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Buttressing their point on the choice of Dalori, Borno Concerned Forum of Women, Youths and APC groups such as DNC Majalis in Tashan Journey, headed by Mallam Audu Buhi, Dalori Social Media influencers, coordinated by Umar Alhaji Ali, and Massa Majalis, Bulumkutu Ward of Maiduguri, chaired by Mustapha Bukar, in a joint press statement said their decision to endorse Dalori was sequel to his pro-masses activities and humility.

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They argued that, apart from the respect for all constituted authority under his watch, Dalori has labored enough for the APC at the local, state and national levels, saying he deserves to be supported as governor come 2027.

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“One of the most crucial qualities a leader or governor should have is the ability to treat people with respect on a regular basis, be philanthropic, open and transparent at all times with inclusivity, and that’s what Dalori is known for”, the group said.

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Another group, Borno Movement for Dalori 2027, which is spearheaded by Abba Yaro, in an interview, said Dalori’s focus remains steadfast on the well-being and prosperity of every Borno citizen.

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“There is no doubt that Hon. Dalori if elected as governor will bring back peace, unity and progress across the state with unwavering commitment and dedication to providing quality healthcare, robust education, improved infrastructure, and laying the foundation for a brighter future for all and sundry”.

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Our correspondent observed that immediately after the APC State Congress held in Maiduguri and which reproduced Hon. Bello Ayuba as Chairman, focus is now on those who want succeed Zulum next year.

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