Youths across the nine local government areas of Borno South senatorial district have raised over ₦38.5 million to purchase the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination forms for Senator Ali Ndume, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The fundraising event, held over the weekend in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, was coordinated by youth groups under the leadership of Alhaji Babandi Shehu. The gathering drew representatives from across the senatorial district, who said the initiative was aimed at securing Ndume’s return to the National Assembly for a fifth term.
According to Shehu, the decision to mobilise funds for the senator was not only political but rooted in appreciation of his representation and advocacy for the district over the years.
He described Ndume as a “fearless voice” who has consistently spoken against injustice and held government accountable.
“Senator Ndume is not just a representative of Borno South; he is a nationalist,” Shehu said. “At this stage of Nigeria’s political development, we need lawmakers who can speak truth to power without fear. That is why we have come together to ensure he returns to the Senate in 2027.”
The All Progressives Congress has fixed ₦50 million as the cost for senatorial nomination forms, according to its 2027 election timetable. The ₦38.5 million raised by the youths is expected to go towards the purchase of the forms, with organisers expressing optimism that additional support would close the gap.
The youths also highlighted Ndume’s developmental contributions to the region, noting that their support was driven by what they described as “visible impact” in education, infrastructure, and humanitarian interventions.
Speaking on behalf of the senator, Junaid Jibril Maiva, Senior Legislative Aide to Ndume, expressed gratitude to the youth groups for what he described as a rare show of commitment and solidarity.
He said the senator’s record in the National Assembly includes sponsorship of 76 bills, as well as efforts that contributed to the establishment of key institutions such as the Federal College of Education, Gwoza; the Federal Medical Centre, Kwaya-Kusar; the Federal College of Agriculture, Shani; the Nigerian Army University, Biu; and the North East Development Commission.
Maiva also referenced humanitarian interventions, including housing projects for internally displaced persons in Gwoza and Damboa, describing them as part of Ndume’s broader commitment to post-conflict recovery in the region.
He said the mobilisation by the youths reflects strong grassroots support and a desire for continuity in representation as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
The event ended with renewed pledges by youth leaders to continue mobilising support for the senator’s re-election bid.
2027: Borno Youths Raise ₦38.5m to Fund Ndume’s Senate Re-Election Bid
