By Usman Abubakar, in Maiduguri
Stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State rose from a meeting in Maiduguri, Sunday, appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as running mate in the 2027 elections.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the stakeholders however advised Shettima to remain loyal to his “Boss Mr President, and continue to serve diligently to promote the laudable policies of Mr President.”
The stakeholders also resolved: “Borno State remains a progressive state under the APC, and urged the people of Borno to remain committed to the progressive ideals that have served the people of Borno since independence.”
They subsequently stressed Borno’s irrevocable allegiance to APC, saying, “Borno shall remain in APC no Merger or change of political party.”
In the communique signed by Alhaji Bello Ayuba and Barr Mustapha Loskuri, the party’s state Chairman and Secretary, respectively, the stakeholders reaffirmed: “APC shall remain the indisputable platform for democratic politics in Borno State.”
They argued that it would be counterproductive to deviate from the principles and manifesto of the APC, and urged party faithfuls to remain firmly faithful and resolute in promoting the APC governments at State and federal levels.
Amidst growing fears that some of its topnotch members are planning defection to opposition parties in the buildup to 2027, the stakeholders urged all party faithful in the state to discountenance the ongoing moves by some elements within the party to cause disunity in the ranks of the APC.
“The party in Borno State is not ready for any such moves in the meantime, they stressed.
The stakeholders expressed total confidence in the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and charged the Governor not to be distracted in his noble campaign of recovering Borno from the shackles of insurgency, terrorism and criminality.
The critical stakeholders meeting was attended by the APC Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori; Senator representing Borno North and Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; and Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan.
Also in attendance were members of House of Representatives from the state; former state governor, Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan; former Nigerian Ambassador to China, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda and former Nigerian Ambassador to Pakistan, Ambassador Dauda Danladi.
Others included Speaker and members of the Borno State House of Assembly, former deputy governors and members of the national and state assmblies, APC state chairman and other executive members of the party.
Also in attendance were Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, Commissioners, Special Advisers, local government chairmen, other appointees of the government and other APC stakeholders.
