The Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has said he received several offers to be running mate to some presidential aspirants and ultimately Vice President in 2023 but he turned them down in a bid to complete what he started as governor in 2019.
Zulum said this when he was declared winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries in the state on Thursday.
“Let me reveal with apologies, that some close associates of key Presidential aspirants have sent me offers for the position of running mate, as possible Vice President, depending on the outcome of the APC Presidential primaries by the weekend.
“I have thought deeply about these offers because becoming Vice President is considered attractive. I have thought about all the powers and privileges of being VP.
“I can see the honour of presiding over meetings attended by Governors and Ministers, and the privilege of having a Presidential Jet at one’s disposal. I can see the honour of Presidential receptions within and outside Nigeria.
“However, I have asked myself, that should I get the opportunity to become VP and raise my political profile, what happens to all our ongoing works for the people of Borno State?
“We have built more than 10,000 houses, and currently more of such and reconstructing existing ones, for ongoing resettlement of our people. We have resettled more than 20 communities so far.
“Yet, thousands of our fellow citizens are still homeless and in desperate need of food, water, and healthcare.
“We have adopted a development plan that we are already implementing.
“I have asked myself, what happens to all these plans that I am central to, which are helping to fast track our recovery in Borno State?
“I came to the conclusion that while a chance to become Vice President could benefit my profile as an individual, becoming reelected as Governor of Borno State has the potential of more assurance of benefit to the good people of Borno State.
“I, therefore, say that while I thank those who may be considering me for the position of VP, I prefer to stay back and work drastically for the people of Borno State because for me as a citizen of Borno State, working with others to hastily rebuild Borno State is the most urgent need and it is beyond any aspiration,” Zulum said.
Meanwhile, announcing the result of the primaries, Chairman, APC Primary Election Committee, Mr Uba Maigari, declared Zulum winner of the election at the end of the exercise held on Thursday in Maiduguri.
He said the governor emerged unopposed being the only aspirant in the election.
Maigari said that 1,422 delegates were accredited while 1,411 voted and endorsed Zulum through voice vote.