Follow Us on Google
From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Hon. Abdullahi Musa Askira has stepped down from the race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Borno South Senatorial seat, clearing the path for the incumbent, Senator Ali Ndume, to emerge as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 general election.
Askira’s decision to exit the contest was conveyed in a statement issued by his aide, Bilyaminu Umar Ngulde, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.
In the statement, Askira explained that his withdrawal followed sustained pressure and appeals from key stakeholders of the APC in Borno South, following what he described as extensive consultations within the party.
Part of the statement read: “I write to respectfully notify you that after extensive consultations, our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has decided to award Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume the party’s ticket for the forthcoming 2027 general election.
“Following these wide-ranging consultations, the party called upon Honourable Abdullahi Musa Askira and requested him to step down in favour of the incumbent Senator, Ali Ndume. In the spirit of party loyalty and collective progress, Honourable Abdullahi Musa Askira has graciously complied.”
Other News
He subsequently directed his political base across Askira-Uba and the wider Southern Senatorial District to rally behind Ndume, urging unity and cooperation ahead of the polls.
“He hereby calls on all his supporters across Askira-Uba and the entire Southern Senatorial District to give their 100 per cent support to Senator Ndume. He also appeals for peace, unity, understanding, and a shared commitment to the development of Southern Borno,” the statement added.
Reinforcing his position, Askira invoked a religious reflection to justify his decision: “The seat of power comes from God alone. If Allah has decreed it for you, no one can change it; and if Allah has not decreed it for you, no one can give it. Since Almighty Allah has given them (the positions), let us all support them for the progress of our party and our people.”
He also expressed gratitude to his supporters and media team, acknowledging their contributions to his campaign, saying: “We sincerely appreciate your efforts, sacrifices, commitment, and dedication. Thank you all, and God bless you.”
With Askira’s withdrawal, the APC is now set to adopt a consensus arrangement in selecting its candidate for Borno South, effectively sidelining the option of a direct primary contest.
