The senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District, Kaka Shehu Lawan, has withdrawn from the state governorship race and endorsed Mustapha Gubio as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday in Abuja, according to a statement by the senator’s legislative aide, Usman Alkali.

Alkali said the meeting, attended by key party leaders and stakeholders, resolved that Lawan should step down to pave the way for Gubio’s emergence as the party’s governorship candidate.

He added that the senator is expected to retain his seat in the Senate following the development.

The meeting was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima and had in attendance Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, APC leaders, National Assembly members, and members of the Borno Elders Forum.

According to the statement, the decision was taken to promote unity and strengthen cohesion within the party ahead of the elections.

Meanwhile, the Borno State Government confirmed that the APC has adopted Gubio as its consensus governorship candidate.

In a separate statement, the governor’s spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, said Zulum presented Gubio to Vice President Shettima in Abuja as the party’s preferred candidate.

Zulum described the move as a reflection of a united position within the party in the state and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and support.

He also acknowledged the role of the Vice President in fostering unity among party stakeholders in Borno State.

Party leaders and stakeholders are expected to return to Maiduguri for further consultations following the development.

A leading presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen held a meeting with former minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi on Friday.

He disclosed this via his official X handle.

According to the presidential aspirant, the meeting was set on discussions on unity and shared purpose within the ADC.

“Spent time with my friend, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi,

“Our discussion centered on unity, shared purpose, and the responsibility we carry as leaders within the ADC to put Nigeria first.

“Beyond ambition, this moment calls for collaboration, mutual respect, and a collective commitment to rebuild our country,” he said.