Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Wednesday, supervised the process leading to the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Mafa State Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The exercise, held in Mafa Local Government Area, was conducted by the party’s Primary Election Committee chaired by Chief Emma Eneukwu, in the presence of the APC Deputy National Chairman, North, Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, alongside other party officials and stakeholders.
Hon. El-Lawan Yakub emerged as the consensus candidate after the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Baba Ali Modu and another aspirant, Ahmadu Umara, voluntarily stepped down for him. His emergence was subsequently affirmed through a voice vote by a large crowd of party supporters and residents, signalling overwhelming support for his candidature.
Declaring the outcome of the exercise, Chairman of the Committee, Chief Emma Eneukwu, officially returned El-Lawan Yakub as the APC consensus candidate for the constituency.
“El-Lawan Yakub is validly returned as the candidate for Mafa State Constituency in the 2027 general election,” Eneukwu declared.
Addressing party members and supporters at the end of the exercise, Governor Zulum commended the three aspirants for their maturity, sacrifice, and commitment to party unity, which led to the successful adoption of a consensus candidate.
“I urge you to eschew bitterness and carry everyone along in your discharge of legislative duties and responsibilities and your services to your constituency,” Zulum advised.
The governor also called on politicians and residents of Mafa to avoid tribal divisions and work collectively for the development of the area.
“You should all not look at yourselves with any tribal lens, but as indigenes of Mafa for peace, progress and prosperity to blossom in Mafa,” he said.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the exercise, Governor Zulum expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the APC primaries across the state, describing the process as peaceful and reflective of unity within the party.
“Everything is going well, because I believe almost all of the 28 seats of the members of the House of Assembly will emerge based on consensus, and this is an indication that there is party cohesion and there is party unity,” Zulum stated.
“The chairman and members of the team that are here for the primary election, as well as the appeal committees, are doing very well. We extend our profound appreciation to them, and we wish them well,” he added.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. El-Lawan Yakub pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him and promised inclusive representation for the people of Mafa constituency at the Borno State House of Assembly.
He expressed gratitude to the two aspirants who stepped down for him, the Primary Election Committee, and Governor Zulum for ensuring what he described as a transparent and fair process.
The governor was accompanied by the APC Deputy Chairman North, Hon Ali Bukar Dalori; member representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency, Hon. Ahmed Jaha; Acting Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Babagana Mustapha Malumbe and other officials of the Party.
