By Gbenga Akingbule
In Borno State, the race for who will occupy the number one seat at the Government House, Maiduguri, has already begun. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is leaving nothing to chance as it seeks to retain power, with two key figures—Vice President Kashim Shettima and his political godson – Governor Babagana Zulum—firmly calling the shots.
Gatekeepers News reports that the influence of Shettima and Zulum outweighs that of other political actors within the party and the success or failure of the party in producing a suitable, widely acceptable, and capable flagbearer in the forthcoming governorship primary election largely hinges on these two power brokers.
Political observers are of the opinion that both men command massive grassroots support and loyalty within the party structure, having built formidable networks over the years. Their political alliance, which dates back to Shettima’s tenure as governor and Zulum’s emergence as his successor, continues to ensure stability in governance and party politics in the state.
It is pertinent to note that Vice President Kashim Shettima developed a keen interest in Prof. Zulum, while he was still the Rector of Ramat Polytechnic. He openly praised Zulum to high heavens for the numerous development projects and programmes he executed despite the meagre resources available to the institution .
This early recognition of Zulum’s managerial acumen at the Ramat Polytechnic later proves decisive. It was therefore not surprising to many political observers when Shettima propelled Prof. Zulum to greater political prominence by appointing him as the pioneer commissioner of the newly created Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement(RRR).
Zulum’s performance at the ministry further strengthened Shettima’s confidence in him, eventually paving the way as Shettima’s preferred successor, despite opposition from other powerful interests within his political circle.
Unlike the rift between some political godfathers and their godsons in some states in Nigeria —particularly in Rivers and Kano—the relationship between Shettima and Zulum has remained largely cordial since 2019, when Zulum assumed the mantle of leadership in the state. Although there may have been minor disagreements between the two men over the years, these have not escalated to the level of public confrontation.
The only time the public noticed a crack in their relationship was when the Shettima-controlled State House of Assembly refused to clear Zulum’s political ally, a commissioner-nominee, Hon Sainna Buba Angered by the decision, Zulum halted the swearing-in of other cleared nominees, insisting that his ally must also be screened and confirmed by the Assembly – the governor eventually had his way .
Apart from this, Zulum has remained loyal to his benefactor, while Shettima has consistently shown respect, always referring to Zulum as the leader of the APC in Borno State. On some public occasions, the two men have been seen almost bowing simultaneously to each other while exchanging pleasantries—a clear demonstration of the deep-seated mutual respect that defines their relationship.
But as the succession battle heats up, political watchers are keenly observing how Shettima and Zulum will navigate the unfolding political development . Will their long-standing loyalty and mutual respect withstand the pressures of political ambition, or will the stakes of power test the resilience of their alliance? For now, their measured gestures of unity and mutual respect continue to signal a partnership that, at least publicly, remains strong.
Already , aspirants jostling for the Borno Government House number one seat are either close to Shettima or Zulum . A situation that would either make both power brokers to settle for one formidable candidate or risk a fragmented contest, where competing loyalties and rival fractions might redefine the dynamics of the 2027 succession battle.
To ensure smooth sailing and prevent internal friction that could trigger an implosion within the APC family, a group of influential Borno elders have stepped in to mediate ongoing consultations among key stakeholders. Their intervention is aimed at fostering unity, reconciling divergent interests, and guiding the party toward a consensus on a formidable candidate with the requisite political experience, grassroots appeal, and electoral viability to secure victory in the 2027 governorship election.
The elders, regarded as custodians of the state’s political stability, are reportedly engaging in behind-the-scenes negotiations with major power blocs, emphasizing the need to prioritize cohesion over personal ambition. Their efforts are also focused on ensuring that the eventual candidate not only commands widespread acceptance within the party but is also capable of consolidating APC’s dominance in Borno State while addressing security and development issues
Political analysts warn that the outcome will largely hinge on how Shettima and Zulum manage the unfolding scenario and assert their influence over aspirants.
In no particular order, the following governorship aspirants have consistently remained on the lips of many APC faithfuls in the state, reflecting the names that are shaping discussions and calculations ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
*Senator Abubakar Kyari* is the current Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. He hails from Mobbar Local Government of Borno State and was born with a silver spoon as his late father , Brig General Abba Kyari, was the military governor of old North Central state In 1999 , Kyari was elected as Member of the House of Representatives, and he was later appointed Commissioner to head different Ministries under Governor Ali Modu Sheriff.
In 2011 , Kyari was appointed Chief of Staff by the then Governor Kashim Shettima and now Vice President Shettima. In 2015, Kyari was elected Senator to reprent Borno North senatorial district. After that , he became the Deputy National Chairman, North of his party, the APC, from where he was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Food Security in 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu..
Senator Kyari wad recently elected Chairperson of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). He’s loved by his people and a close ally of vice president Kashim Shettima.
*Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan* is the current Senator representing Borno Central, he is a Senior Advocacte of Nigeria (SAN). He hails from Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.
In 2012 , he was appointed Special Adviser on Legal Matters by the then Governor Kashim Shettima and now Vice President Shettima. He later became the Ag. Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice under Shettima in 2013 . He later became the substantive commissioner , a position held throughout Shettima’s two- term tenure as governor.
Senator Lawan was also appointed by the Zulum-led administration as the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in 2019 and at some point doubled as the Commissioner of Environment. He was elected Senator in 2023 . He’s loved by his people and a close ally of Shettima and Zulum
*Hon. Sugum Mai Mele ,* he’s the current Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs in Borno State. Mele hails from Guzamala Local Government Area where Boko Haram terrorists had sacked many communities with few still standing .
Mele has been in politics for a long time , he had served as Guzamala Local Government Chairman between 1999 and 2002 under Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later became the Secretary of the PDP in Borno State. Mele later decamped to the ANPP from where he was appointed by Kashim Shettima as Commissioner and served in different different ministries .
In 2019 , Mele was also appointed by Zulum to serve as Commissioner of Local Government and Emirate Affairs, a position he has held to date . He’s loved by his people and an ally of Zulum.
*Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe* is the current
Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation. He hails from Kaga Local Government Area. He’s a workaholic that goes to places considered as high-risk areas to carry government assignments . He has remained within the education sector for a long time.
Wakilbe had served as Special Adviser under Shettima and Zulum before his current appointment. He’s loved by his people and a very close ally of Zulum.
*Hon. Adamu Lawan* had served as Commissioner of Finance and later Budget under Shettima and Zulum. He hails from Jere Local Government Area of Borno State.
Lawan was a banker and had worked closely with Vice President Kashim Shettima when he was the Zonal Branch Manager at Zenith Bank in Maiduguri. He’s loved by his people and a strong ally of the Vice President Shettima
*Senator BabaKaka Bashir Garbai* . He’s royalty and of the Borno Emirate Royal Family . He hails from Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and was appointed Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs by Governor Shettima in 2011.
Senator Garbai was elected as a senator to represent Borno Central Senatorial District from 2015 to 2019. He is a longtime friend of Vice President Kashim Shettima, although the current state of their relationship remains unclear to political observers. He’s loved by his people and an ally of both power brokers.
