By Kazeem Waris
Christian stakeholders under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State have passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the party’s governorship candidate, Alhaji Mustapha Gubio, and other APC candidates, pledging to mobilise massive Christian support for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement, which covered APC candidates contesting various elective positions from the national to state levels, was announced at the maiden meeting of the All Progressives Congress Christian Stakeholders in Borno State (APCCSBS), held in Maiduguri, the state capital.
The gathering brought together Christian groups, associations, church leaders and supporters, including non-indigenes, who resolved to work collectively towards securing electoral victories for APC candidates in 2027.
Speaking at the meeting, the Convener and former Head of Service in Borno State, Barrister Simon Malgwi, said the initiative was designed to provide a common platform for Christians to share experiences, exchange ideas, identify challenges and develop strategies for effective grassroots political mobilisation.
Malgwi urged Christians in the state to move beyond political passivity and actively participate in the democratic process, particularly by mobilising eligible voters to support APC candidates across the country.
“We the Christians in Borno should no longer remain in political wilderness, but must fully participate in politics and vote for the ruling APC so that we will no longer be left behind in terms of political appointments, job opportunities and other dividends of democracy,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to participants for their impressive turnout despite the short notice, assuring them that their commitment and sacrifices would not be in vain.
In their goodwill messages, the APC House of Representatives candidate for Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, Hon. Tarpaya Asarya, and the party’s House of Assembly candidate for Chibok Constituency, Hon. Pogu Lawan, who is seeking re-election, commended the Christian community for its commitment and support for the APC.
The two candidates appealed to Christians across denominations to support their aspirations and those of other APC candidates, describing the ruling party as a platform committed to promoting peace and development in Borno State and Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretaries of the Borno State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Hyelni Mshelia and Comrade Juliana Bitrus, respectively, emphasised the need for unity among Christians.
They maintained that unity of purpose was essential to achieving the objectives of the gathering and called on Christian stakeholders to strengthen cooperation across denominations and communities.
The two senior government officials also cautioned against overdependence on social media as a campaign strategy, urging supporters to embark on direct, door-to-door mobilisation to engage voters at the grassroots.
Leaders of various churches, Christian groups and associations, including the Chairman of the Borno Christian Youth Association, Dr. Ayuba Yohanna, pledged to work together as one family towards delivering APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
At the end of the meeting, participants adopted a three-point communique outlining their commitment to the APC’s electoral campaign.
The communique called for the mobilisation of Christians across Borno State to vote for all APC candidates; urged campaigners to move beyond social media engagement and intensify door-to-door grassroots campaigns; and resolved to establish technical committees and subcommittees comprising professionals and stakeholders to coordinate, monitor and evaluate mobilisation activities across the state.
The proposed committees are expected to focus particularly on Southern Borno Senatorial District, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area, while extending their activities to other parts of the state.
The stakeholders expressed optimism that sustained unity, strategic coordination and grassroots engagement would strengthen the APC’s electoral fortunes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
