Zulum Debunks Defection Claims, Reaffirms Unwavering Loyalty to APC

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has firmly denied widespread speculation that he is plotting to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the rumours as “baseless and mischievous.”

The governor’s position was conveyed in a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, in reaction to reports circulating on social media suggesting that he, alongside five unnamed governors, was preparing to dump the APC.

“We have become aware of a fictitious and mischievous social media report circulating in certain quarters, alleging plans by me to decamp from the All Progressives Congress to the African Democratic Congress, alongside five other governors,” the statement quoted Zulum as saying.

Dismissing the claims outright, Zulum condemned the report as the work of political detractors and idle rumour peddlers who are intent on sowing confusion and distraction in the political space.

“This is entirely false and exists only in the imagination of its sponsors. They are detractors who have made no meaningful contribution to the progress of Borno State or Nigeria. It is a classic example of cheap, politically motivated speculation designed solely to distract us and create unnecessary political tension,” the statement continued.

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The governor reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to the APC, emphasizing that his primary focus remains the development and security of Borno State.

“My loyalty to the APC remains firm, and my dedication is solely to the welfare and progress of Borno State. I urge the good people of Borno and the general public to disregard this fabrication. We have no time for cheap politics; our hands are full of the noble task of rebuilding and developing our dear state,” Zulum asserted.

He further called on media organisations and the general public to exercise greater diligence and responsibility in verifying information before spreading it.

“I call on media outlets and the public to verify information from credible official sources and to ignore the desperate fabrications of those seeking relevance through disinformation. We remain resolute in our commitment to serving Borno State under the banner of our great party, the APC,” he concluded.

The governor’s firm denial aims to douse political tension and reaffirm his continued allegiance to the APC, amid swirling political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.