Zulum denies defection to ADC, says he remains loyal to APC

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has dismissed speculation in some sections of the online media that he would lead five other governors in defecting to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) party.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, the governor said the rumour, which surfaced on some online platforms, was a baseless fabrication aimed at causing unnecessary political tension.

“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, APC, to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, alongside five other governors,” the statement read.

Zulum dismissed the claim as the handiwork of individuals he described as detractors with no meaningful contributions to the progress of Borno State or the country.

“This is entirely false and exists only in the imagination of its sponsors,” he stated, adding: “It is a classic example of cheap, politically motivated speculation designed solely to distract us.”

He reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the APC and restated his commitment to the development of Borno State.

“My loyalty to the APC remains firm and my dedication is solely to the welfare and progress of Borno State. We have no time for cheap politics; our hands are full with the noble task of rebuilding and developing our dear state,” he added.

Zulum also urged media outlets and the public to rely on credible sources for verified information and not fall for the tactics of political detractors.

Following months of talks about a political coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, a group of opposition leaders adopted the ADC as the platform for the coalition movement.

Among them are a former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi; a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; and his Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, who emerged as the ADC’s interim national secretary.

Also included are a former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and a former Senate President, David Mark, who was appointed as the interim national chairman of the party, among others.