Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, has said he has neither endorsed nor promised any elective position to any aspirant ahead of the 2027 general elections, dismissing speculation about a preferred successor or favoured candidates within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Zulum made the declaration on Monday during a crucial APC stakeholders' meeting in Maiduguri.

"I have no candidate for any position, and I do not know who will succeed me. I have entrusted the choice of leaders to Almighty Allah, in line with the democratic will of party members and the people of Borno State," the governor said.

He warned party leaders and members against spreading rumours capable of sowing division within the party, stressing his commitment to a fair, transparent and just process in the election of party officials during the forthcoming congresses. According to him, the integrity of the process is critical to the APC's unity and future electoral success in the state.

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Zulum also advocated the emergence of a fresh set of individuals to occupy party positions, urging stakeholders to allow new faces to come through a democratic process. He said this would strengthen the party's grassroots base, promote inclusivity and renew internal cohesion.

The meeting was attended by the acting governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; former governor Maina Ma'aji Lawan; APC Deputy National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori; state APC chairman, Bello Ayuba; and three former deputy governors.

Also present were the Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan; members of the House of Representatives; the leadership of the Borno State House of Assembly; and other senior party and government officials.