In what appears to be the strongest opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections in Borno State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled heavyweight senatorial, House of Representatives and State Assembly candidates in a direct challenge to the long-standing dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party’s emergence of former APC governorship aspirant Idris Mamman Durkwa for Borno South, alongside Bulama Fugu and Babagana Zanna, signals what political observers describe as an ambitious attempt to dismantle APC’s political stronghold in the state.
The ADC consensus primaries held in Maiduguri produced candidates expected to confront some of Borno’s most influential political figures, including Senator Ali Ndume, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno and Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan.
The opposition party said its strategy is built around presenting “credible alternatives” capable of capitalising on growing public frustration over insecurity, economic hardship and governance challenges across the state and the country.
ADC Organising Secretary, Mohammed Bolori, disclosed that about 25 State Assembly candidates and eight House of Representatives candidates were affirmed through consensus by party stakeholders, describing the move as part of broader efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots structure before 2027.
The development is expected to intensify political rivalry in Borno, particularly in Borno South, where Senator Ndume recently secured fresh endorsements from APC stakeholders and Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Musa Askira.
Bolori, while criticising the APC-led administration over worsening hardship and insecurity, assured supporters that ADC candidates would prioritise security, economic recovery and social welfare if elected.
With governorship primaries and additional House of Representatives contests still ahead, political analysts believe the ADC is positioning itself for what could become one of the fiercest electoral contests in Borno’s recent political history.
