The senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District, Kaka Shehu Lawan, has withdrawn from the Borno State governorship race and endorsed Mustapha Gubio as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, according to a statement issued by the senator’s legislative aide, Usman Alkali.

Alkali said the meeting, which had in attendance key party leaders and stakeholders, resolved that Lawan should step down to pave the way for Gubio’s emergence as the party’s flagbearer.

He added that the senator is expected to retain his seat in the Senate following the development.

The meeting was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima and attended by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, National Assembly members, APC leaders, and representatives of the Borno Elders Forum.

According to the statement, the move was aimed at promoting unity and strengthening cohesion within the party ahead of the election.

Meanwhile, the Borno State Government confirmed that the APC has adopted Gubio as its consensus governorship candidate.

In a separate statement, the governor’s spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, said Zulum formally presented Gubio to Vice President Shettima in Abuja as the party’s preferred candidate.

Zulum described the development as a reflection of a united front within the APC in Borno State, while commending President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support.

He also acknowledged the role of Vice President Shettima in fostering unity among party stakeholders.

Party leaders are expected to return to Maiduguri for further consultations following the development.