The former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has officially secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Borno South Senatorial District.
He emerged victorious unopposed during the ruling party’s primary election conducted in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Ndume’s path to the ticket was finalized through a consensus affirmation process at the venue, a move that solidifies his political hold on the senatorial district he has represented for multiple terms in the National Assembly.
The seasoned lawmaker made this known in an official statement he personally signed and distributed to journalists in Abuja on Monday, shortly after being declared the winner.
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His emergence as the sole consensus candidate became possible following the sudden withdrawal of his main opponent, Hon. Abdullahi Askira, from the race last month.
Internal party sources revealed that Askira’s exit followed extensive backroom consultations and diplomatic interventions by key APC stakeholders within the zone. .
Askira, who currently serves as the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, reportedly pulled out in deference to appeals from party elders who were keen on maintaining a unified front ahead of the general elections.
A victory for Ndume in the upcoming general polls would mark his return to the National Assembly for a fifth consecutive term, adding to a long-standing political career spanning both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
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Reacting to the development, the former Senate Leader expressed his deep gratitude to the APC delegates and stakeholders in Borno South for their ongoing trust in his leadership.
“I want to thank our elders in Borno South Senatorial District for their unwavering support for me. I want to reassure them that I will continue to promote their interest at all times,” his statement read.
He also extended accolades to his former challenger for putting the interests of the political party first.
“I must not fail to commend Honourable Askira who listened to persuasions and appeals of the party leaders and took the decision to drop his aspiration. Your loyalty to the party is exemplary,” he added.
Ndume concluded by urging all party members to maintain their cohesion as the general election season draws closer.
“I also called on the party stakeholders to remain united, continue to work as one united political family as the country prepares for the general elections,” it concluded.
