The political atmosphere in Borno South Senatorial District is intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the endorsement of the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Musa Askira, by key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The move sets the stage for a possible contest with incumbent Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, a seasoned lawmaker who has represented the district for several terms and remains a dominant political force in the region.
The endorsement followed extensive consultations across the nine local government areas of the district, amid growing calls for the rotation of the senatorial seat and more inclusive political representation.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Sule said the demand for power shift is rooted in historical precedent, noting that leaders from Askira/Uba had, during the Second Republic, supported zoning the seat to Gwoza in the spirit of fairness.
“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,” he said.
However, he lamented that the rotational principle had since been abandoned, with the seat remaining within one axis after the tenure of the late Senator Mohammed Mahdi. According to him, the position ought to rotate among Chibok, Damboa, Gwoza, and Askira/Uba.
Stakeholders described Askira’s emergence as a step toward restoring political balance in the district. Gambo urged party members to unite behind the Deputy Speaker, stating that “the time has come for Askira/Uba” to produce the next senator.
Support for Askira also came from women leaders and community figures. A prominent politician, Tafu Malla, commended his grassroots impact, highlighting his contributions to job creation, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
Similarly, Hawa Mai-Musa, a retired Permanent Secretary from Chibok, emphasised the need for fairness, noting that prolonged dominance by one area undermines equity.
“Engineer Askira is a proven leader whose track record shows he has been tested,” she said, adding that women who constitute a significant voting bloc, would play a decisive role in the election.
From the Uba Emirate, Adamu Jafiya stressed the need for representation that prioritises development, urging stakeholders to support candidates capable of attracting federal projects to the district.
Meanwhile, the proposed Savannah State remains a key political issue, with Askira’s advocacy for its creation boosting his visibility. Supporters believe his emergence in the Senate could accelerate legislative efforts toward state creation.
Despite the growing momentum, analysts note that the influence of Ndume remains strong, given his experience and entrenched political network.
For now, Askira’s camp has maintained a cautious stance, awaiting direction from the APC leadership as preparations for the elections gradually intensify.
