Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has dismissed reports circulating online that he is planning to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, the governor described the rumour as “baseless and unfounded,” attributing it to “unscrupulous elements” attempting to gain political relevance.
The social media reports had claimed that Zulum and five other unnamed governors were plotting to exit the APC, allegedly aligning with the new ADC-led coalition movement spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other prominent opposition figures.
Reacting to the development, Governor Zulum said, “We have become aware of a fictitious and mischievous social media report circulating in certain quarters, alleging plans by me to decamp from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside five other governors.
“This is entirely false and exists only in the imagination of its sponsors. They are detractors who have made no meaningful contribution to the progress of Borno State or Nigeria. It is a classic example of cheap, politically motivated speculation designed solely to distract us and create unnecessary political tension.”
Zulum reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and reiterated that his focus remains on the development of Borno State.
“My loyalty to the APC remains firm, and my dedication is solely to the welfare and progress of Borno State.
“ I urge the good people of Borno and the general public to disregard this fabrication. We have no time for cheap politics; our hands are full of the noble task of rebuilding and developing our dear state,” the governor added.
Zulum, who has been widely praised for his development initiatives in the insurgency-ravaged state, is considered one of the APC’s most influential governors in the North-East
