Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has assured that all is set for the announcement of the running mate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mustapha Gubio, next week.
Zulum said the decision on the choice of a credible running mate rests with the APC governorship candidate even as 27 persons have signified interest in the slot.
The governor however, noted that he and other party stakeholders would be available to offer guidance and valuable advice throughout the selection process.
Zulum gave the assurance yesterday while speaking during a visit to the palace of the Emir of Biu, His Royal Highness Mai Umar Mustapha Aliyu, in Biu local government area of the state.
The governor urged the traditional ruler and well-meaning citizens of Borno state to intensify prayers for divine guidance in the selection of a credible deputy governorship candidate among the about 27 persons aspiring for the position.
He expressed confidence that the process would produce a competent and trustworthy running mate who would complement the APC governorship candidate and contribute to the continued development and stability of the state.
“I know that our politicians are anxious to know who will be the next deputy governoship candidate. I will not impose any person on our governorship candidate, we can only advice and pray for a suitable choice,”he said.
Zulum recalled how he was advised by Vice President Kashim Shettima to pick Hon. Umar Kadafur as his running mate, noting that the “vice president only advised me, he did not impose any aspirant on me.”
The governor told the people of Biu that the position of the deputy governorship candidate is not their exclusive preserve but it belongs to the entire state.
He stressed that the selection process would be guided by competence, fairness and the overall interest of Borno State rather than sectional considerations.
The governor assured the residents of more developmental projects, announcing plans to flag off a developmental project before departing the town in the next days.
