The political atmosphere in Borno South Senatorial District is intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections, as stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State have thrown their weight behind the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Musa Askira.
The endorsement positions Askira for a potential high-stakes contest against incumbent Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, a seasoned lawmaker widely regarded as one of the most influential political figures in the district.
The move followed extensive consultations across the nine local government areas of Borno South, reflecting growing calls for power rotation and equitable representation within the zone.
Calls for Zoning and Equity
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Sule Gambo said the demand for a shift in political leadership is rooted in historical precedent. He recalled that during Nigeria’s Second Republic, leaders from Askira/Uba supported the zoning of the senatorial seat to Gwoza to promote inclusiveness.
“It was we, the people of Askira/Uba, who initiated this arrangement. We agreed that the seat should shift to Gwoza to give them a sense of belonging,” Gambo said.
However, he lamented that the rotational principle has since been abandoned, noting that after the tenure of the late Senator Mohammed Mahdi, the seat remained in Gwoza rather than rotating among other local government areas such as Chibok, Damboa, and Askira/Uba.
“The senatorial seat is supposed to rotate among Chibok, Damboa, Gwoza, and Askira/Uba. Unfortunately, this has not been the case for a long time,” he added.
Support from Women and Community Leaders
Stakeholders described Askira’s emergence as a corrective step toward restoring political balance in the district.
Prominent women leader Tafu Malla commended Askira’s grassroots engagement, highlighting his contributions to job creation, agricultural development, and empowerment initiatives.
“He maintains a genuine open-door policy and is always there for the poor,” she said, noting that women who constitute a significant voting bloc are supportive of his ambition.
Similarly, Hawa Mai-Musa, a retired Permanent Secretary and former Special Adviser from Chibok, emphasized the importance of fairness in representation.
“To be fair to the people of Chibok and Askira/Uba, it is time for rotation. Engineer Askira is a proven leader whose track record shows he has been tested,” she stated.
She further underscored the electoral influence of women, claiming they account for nearly 70 per cent of voters in Borno State.
Development Agenda and “Savannah State” Push
From the Uba Emirate, Adamu Jafiya stressed the need for development-focused representation, urging stakeholders to prioritize candidates capable of attracting federal projects to the district.
“While others are bringing federal projects to their zones, we are busy with political wars. We need Engr. Askira to bring his professional and legislative experience to the Senate,” he said.
A central campaign issue gaining traction is the proposed “Savannah State,” an initiative strongly advocated by Askira. Supporters believe his presence in the National Assembly could accelerate the constitutional process required for state creation.
The Ndume Factor
Despite the growing support for Askira, political analysts say the influence of Ndume remains a major factor in the race.
Having represented Borno South for multiple terms, Ndume commands deep political structures and grassroots loyalty.
Nevertheless, the coordinated endorsement of Askira signals a strategic attempt by APC stakeholders to reshape the district’s political dynamics ahead of 2027.
For now, Askira’s camp is treading cautiously, awaiting directives from party leadership as momentum continues to build.
