The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State has reportedly signalled a consensus arrangement to nominate Kaka Shehu Lawan, Senator representing Borno Central at the National Assembly, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
According to sources, the decision emerged from a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday night, attended by party elders and stakeholders from Borno State.
A strategic nomination process
Sources with knowledge of the matter told Business Day that the party’s “wisemen” requested that Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria, and Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State, each present three names for consideration.
Vice President Shettima’s nominees reportedly included Abubakar Mohammed Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; Senator Lawan; and Adamu Lawan, former Commissioner of Finance.
Governor Zulum’s list included Senator Lawan; Sugum Mai Mele, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs; and Lawan Wakilbe, Commissioner for Education.
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“Our respected wisemen explained that the same approach was adopted in 2019, which produced Governor Zulum,” a source said.
Consensus on the 2027 ticket
Another source stated that the choice of Lawan followed extensive discussions. “Both Shettima and Zulum submitted the name of Kaka Shehu Lawan, and he was adopted immediately as the APC consensus candidate,” the source revealed.
The transition plan also suggests a shift in legislative representation. Governor Zulum is reportedly expected to vie for the Borno Central senatorial seat, currently held by Lawan.
Electoral timeline and legal framework
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, followed by the governorship and State House of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027.
Under the current INEC timetable, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between April and May 2026. The Electoral Act 2026 (as amended) allows for the selection of candidates through either consensus arrangements or direct primaries.
