The Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Engr Abdullahi Musa Askira, has stepped down from the race for the Borno South senatorial District, and decided to support the incumbent Senator Muhammadu Ali Ndume.

Askira made this disclosure at a press briefing at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre on Thursday.

He noted, “After wide consultations and deep reflection, and particularly following my recent meeting with the state Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, I have taken this decision to formally withdraw from the race in the best interest of our great party, the Southern Borno Zone, and Borno State at large.

“In that spirit, I wholeheartedly endorse and pledge my total support for Senator Muhammadu Ali Ndume to continue representing Southern Borno in the Senate.”

The lawmaker urged all his supporters across the 9 local government areas of the zone to accept his decision in good faith, close ranks and extend their unflinching support for Senator Ndume

He appealed to his supporters to work together to ensure victory for the APC in all elections in 2027.

Engr Askira has been a member of the Borno Assembly representing Askira since 2007, and Deputy Speaker of the House since 2023.