The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, has emerged as the Chairman of the Nigerian Deputy Governors’ Forum following a meeting of the body held on March 28, 2026.
Kadafur was unanimously elected by his colleagues, a development widely described as a recognition of his leadership capacity and contributions to governance.
Reacting to the development, the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, described the emergence as “a welcome development and pleasant news,” noting that it signals a strong vote of confidence in the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
“This is a welcome development and a pleasant news signalling a vote of confidence for the Zulum-Kadafur tenure,” Tar said.
He attributed the recognition to what he described as the “virtue of mutual loyalty” between Kadafur and Zulum, stressing that the deputy governor has remained a dependable pillar in the state’s recovery and development efforts.
“For the past seven years, Kadafur has demonstrated loyalty, doggedness, resilience, passion and consistency as an indefatigable deputy to Governor Zulum,” he added.
Tar further noted that Kadafur’s political trajectory and administrative experience positioned him for the role, citing his earlier service as Chairman of Biu Local Government Area and his contributions to governance at the grassroots.
According to him, Kadafur’s performance in public office, including his involvement in key state initiatives such as COVID-19 response, mass housing development, and humanitarian interventions, underscored his competence.
The commissioner also highlighted the broader governance climate in Borno State, describing it as a model of political harmony and institutional cooperation.
“The emergence of Kadafur is not an isolated incident. It reflects a chain of exemplary leadership in a state where there is cordial relationship between the executive, legislature and judiciary, as well as between political leaders and the people,” he said.
Kadafur, who has also served as Acting Governor on different occasions, currently oversees the state’s Ministry of Livestock Development, where he is driving policies aimed at strengthening the livestock value chain.
Tar expressed optimism that the deputy governor’s new role at the national level would further project Borno State’s governance model and contribute to strengthening intergovernmental collaboration across the country.
He described the appointment as “well deserved recognition of experience, leadership capacity and commitment to public service.”
