The path has been cleared for Senator Ali Ndume to return to the Senate, following the withdrawal of his main rival, Abdullahi Musa Askira, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket race in Borno South.
Askira’s decision, conveyed in a statement by his aide, Bilyaminu Umar Ngulde, followed what he described as extensive consultations and appeals from party stakeholders across the senatorial district.
According to the statement, the APC leadership opted to adopt a consensus arrangement in favour of the incumbent senator ahead of the 2027 general election.
“After wide-ranging consultations, the party called on Honourable Abdullahi Musa Askira to step down in favour of Senator Ali Ndume. In the spirit of party loyalty and collective progress, he has graciously complied,” the statement read.
Askira urged his supporters across Askira-Uba and the entire Borno South Senatorial District to rally behind Ndume, calling for unity and commitment to the development of the region.
In a philosophical note, he added: “The seat of power comes from God alone. If Allah has decreed it for you, no one can change it.”
He also thanked his supporters for their loyalty and dedication throughout the race.
With the withdrawal, the APC is now expected to produce its candidate for Borno South through a consensus process rather than a direct primary, effectively cementing Ndume’s position ahead of the polls.
Askira Withdraws, Clears Path for Ndume’s Senate Return in Borno South
