A political pressure group, the Southern Borno Youth Advancement Initiative (SOBYAI), has endorsed Engr. Mustapha Gubio, the immediate past Commissioner for Works in Borno State, as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The group said Gubio’s experience in public service, infrastructure development, and understanding of the state’s security challenges positions him as a credible successor to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
The endorsement was contained in a statement titled “The 2027 Gubernatorial Succession in Borno State: A Call for Continuity, Competence, and Consolidation of Security Gains.”
The statement, jointly signed by SOBYAI President, Hon. Suleiman Tanimu, and Secretary, Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi, was made available to journalists on Tuesday in Maiduguri.
The group noted that Borno State currently stands at a decisive moment, stressing that although significant progress has been made under Governor Zulum’s leadership, the resurgence of security threats requires a successor with experience and capacity to sustain the gains achieved.
According to the statement, while Governor Zulum’s administration has recorded notable achievements, insurgent elements are attempting to regroup and destabilise communities, making the choice of the next governor crucial.
“Borno State today stands at a decisive crossroads. While remarkable progress has been recorded under the visionary leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, we are equally confronted with the stark reality of resurging security threats, with insurgent elements attempting to regroup and destabilise the hard-won peace of our communities,” the group said.
“These circumstances demand that the choice of the next leadership be guided by prudence, foresight, and an uncompromising commitment to continuity.”
SOBYAI commended the Zulum administration for setting what it described as a high governance benchmark through infrastructure development, resettlement of displaced persons, and institutional reforms.
“The administration of Prof. Zulum has set a high governance benchmark through massive infrastructure renewal, aggressive resettlement of displaced persons, institutional reforms, agricultural revitalization, and a people-centered approach to security,” the group stated.
The group listed key milestones to include:
Rebuilding of communities and dignified return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) across local government areas, delivery of over 1,000 capital projects, including roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, recruitment of teachers and healthcare workers, scholarships for indigent students, transparent and hands-on leadership that restored public confidence in governance
SOBYAI maintained that these achievements must be protected and consolidated by a capable successor.
“This legacy is too valuable to be left to uncertainty. Borno requires a successor with the technical depth, administrative discipline, and moral clarity to consolidate these gains and chart a path to greater stability and prosperity,” the statement added.
The group said Engr. Mustapha Gubio possesses the competence and leadership qualities needed to sustain ongoing development and security initiatives.
“It is the considered view of SOBYAI that Engr. Mustapha Gubio represents the most credible and prepared individual to sustain and advance the Zulum legacy,” the group stated.
“Engr. Gubio is a distinguished engineer and public servant whose career reflects a rare blend of technical competence, administrative acumen, and genuine compassion for the people of Borno.”
According to SOBYAI, Gubio has demonstrated: a track record of executing complex and high-impact infrastructure projects, administrative discipline and accountability in public service, deep understanding of Borno’s security architecture and knowledge of socio-economic drivers of conflict and peacebuilding efforts
“In Engr. Mustapha Gubio, we see a bridge between the remarkable foundations of today and the greater Borno we all aspire to tomorrow. He is a builder, a stabilizer, and a leader for these trying times,” the statement added.
The group urged key stakeholders, including the Borno Elders Forum, traditional rulers, party leaders, women groups, and youths, to prioritise competence and continuity in the 2027 governorship selection process.
“SOBYAI therefore respectfully appeals to all stakeholders — the Borno Elders Forum, traditional institutions, party leaders, women groups, and the youth — to prioritise competence, continuity, and character in the forthcoming 2027 gubernatorial selection process.
“The peace, rebuilding, and future of Borno must supersede all other interests. We are confident that with Engr. Mustapha Gubio, the developmental trajectory initiated by Prof. Zulum will not only be sustained but accelerated for the benefit of every citizen of Borno State,” SOBYAI concluded.