By Ibrahim Uba Yusuf
On Tuesday, 28 April 2026, the ruling party in Nigeria, the All Progressives Congress (APC), officially commenced the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms for various offices. Kaka Shehu Lawan (SAN), the incumbent senator representing Borno Central at the National Assembly, has joined the race by purchasing the form for the governorship. He is the second candidate to do so, after Engr. Mustapha Gubio, the erstwhile Commissioner of Works, whom many believe to be the anointed successor of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
For clarity, this write-up does not seek to denigrate anyone. In fact, I have both directly and indirectly benefited from the goodwill and generosity of Professor Zulum in many ways. One experience I always remember and deeply cherish is the palliative he provided to us at the University of Maiduguri in 2022, when the then President, Muhammadu Buhari, withheld our salaries for eight months during the strike. His timely intervention lifted our spirits tremendously. Secondly, the level of development recorded under Zulum’s leadership is exceptional. I always pray that leadership passes to someone who will uphold and sustain these enduring legacies.
While the governor, through his spokesperson, is reported to have anointed a candidate, I believe it is still valid to advance arguments regarding the suitability of Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan as a governorship aspirant—one endowed with political sagacity, a state-wide outlook, and electoral value.
It is important to note that Senator Lawan has a strong background in law and academia, having risen to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Life Bencher. He is among the few politicians who, over the last decade, have contributed immensely to the relative peace we now enjoy. Since the emergence of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Kaka Shehu Lawan has laid a solid foundation for it. The history of this important agency is incomplete without him. His foresight in building a structure that aligns with international best practices is commendable. The celebrated heroes of the CJTF remain part of his enduring legacy. One critical but often overlooked achievement is the separation of minors within the CJTF structure. This was achieved through deliberate synergy with international non-governmental organisations and development partners, facilitated by his office during his tenure as Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice.
Importantly, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan has built a track record as a liaison between the Borno State Government and security agencies in the state. This role has given him deep insight into the security challenges, helped him establish strong networks with top security officials, and equipped him with practical knowledge capable of driving meaningful security interventions in Borno. This exposure clearly places him ahead of many other candidates. At this point, we need someone of his calibre with such security know-how.
Professor Zulum has indeed restored order and discipline to our state. His legacy as a “discipline master” should not end with his tenure. Borno needs a firm and principled leader who knows every nook and cranny of the state, possesses the dexterity to confront any form of intimidation from charlatans, and can maintain high standards of governance. This is a strong selling point for Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan. I believe he will not tolerate any form of social vice in the state. He demonstrated this previously when he championed the clampdown on brothels and other criminal hotspots.
Many will recall the events during the 2019 primaries, when both Kaka Shehu Lawan and then Governor Kashim Shettima were moved to tears as the consensus arrangement compelled him to step down for Professor Zulum. Despite this, he remained loyal, continued to respect and support the Zulum-led administration. There are individuals who contested for the office of governor in 2019 but deliberately refused to acknowledge the authority of the governor, let alone accept roles in governance. Such attitudes often reflect an unwillingness to accept fate and the will of Almighty Allah. Kaka Shehu stands out as different. His loyalty and respect to both Vice President Kashim Shettima and Professor Zulum remain intact.
Even as a serving senator, he continues to take on key responsibilities, including spearheading the distribution of palliatives in Maiduguri and its environs, as well as serving as Amirul Hajj, among other roles. These assignments require commitment and constant presence, which he consistently demonstrates. One of his most commendable qualities is his ability to unify different political camps. He maintains cordial relationships with both Kashim Shettima and Babagana Umara Zulum, bridging divides where others struggle.
On a final note, I firmly believe in the candidacy of Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan. He possesses competence, is articulate and agile, and has the capacity to take Borno to its rightful place as the “Home of Peace.” However, my prayer remains this: Ya Allah! You know best among them. If Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan is the better candidate who will foster unity among political stakeholders and drive development, Ya Allah, grant him leadership and assist him in delivering this onerous task. If he is not, O Allah, we ask for a better candidate with the interest of Borno at heart. Ameen.
I will rest my case here for now and continue the argument subsequently.
Ibrahim Uba Yusuf, PhD, writes from the diaspora and is a public affairs analyst.
