“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Abraham Lincoln.
Politics, at its noblest, is not merely the contest for power but the pursuit of the common good. Elections come and go; campaigns rise and fall; individuals occupy public offices only for a season. Yet the destiny of a people endures beyond every electoral cycle. As Borno State approaches another defining political moment, this enduring truth deserves renewed reflection: unity remains the greatest political capital any society can possess.
Borno has, for decades, occupied a unique place in Nigeria’s national consciousness. It has been tested by insurgency, humanitarian crises, economic disruptions, and the immense burden of rebuilding communities shattered by conflict. Despite these challenges, the resilience of its people has continued to inspire admiration both within Nigeria and across the international community. Markets have reopened, displaced families have gradually returned home, infrastructure is being restored, educational institutions are recovering, and hope is steadily replacing despair.
These achievements have not been the work of individuals alone. They have been made possible through collective sacrifice, visionary leadership, resilient communities, dedicated security personnel, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organizations, development partners, and the unwavering determination of ordinary citizens.
The forthcoming governorship election therefore represents far more than the emergence of another administration. It represents an opportunity to consolidate peace, deepen development, strengthen democratic governance, and secure a more prosperous future for generations yet unborn.
Within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the emergence of Engr. Mustapha Gubio as the party’s governorship candidate and Alhaji Ali Isa as the deputy governorship candidate should be viewed not as the triumph of one tendency over another but as the collective mandate of a political family preparing to serve the people of Borno State. Internal competition is natural in every vibrant democracy. However, once the democratic process has produced party candidates, the responsibility of every member shifts from competition to cooperation, from rivalry to reconciliation, and from personal ambition to collective purpose.
History repeatedly demonstrates that political parties achieve sustainable victories not because they are free from disagreements, but because they possess the maturity to overcome them.
Successful democracies across the world are sustained by political actors who understand that loyalty to shared ideals ultimately outweighs loyalty to individual aspirations.
For APC members, supporters, stakeholders, youth organizations, women’s groups, professionals, traditional institutions, and community leaders across Borno State, this moment calls for uncommon statesmanship. It is a time to close ranks, heal divisions where they exist, extend hands of fellowship across political tendencies, and reaffirm commitment to the shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous Borno.
In this spirit, every member of the APC is encouraged to wholeheartedly rally behind Engr. Mustapha Gubio and Alhaji Ali Isa, recognizing that the strength of the party lies not merely in the popularity of its candidates but in the unity, discipline, and collective resolve of its members. A united party inspires public confidence, strengthens democratic legitimacy, and provides the candidates with the moral and political support necessary to give their very best in service to the people.
Unity should not be mistaken for uniformity. Genuine unity accommodates diversity of opinion while maintaining fidelity to a common destination. Within every successful political movement, differing perspectives become strengths rather than weaknesses when channelled toward shared objectives.
The political culture of Borno has historically been shaped by resilience, discipline, and communal solidarity. These values must continue to define the conduct of party members throughout the electoral process. Campaigns should remain issue-based, respectful, peaceful, and inclusive. Personal attacks, divisive rhetoric, ethnic sentiments, religious manipulation, and sectional politics have no place in a state whose greatest victories have always been achieved through collective resolve.
Engr. Mustapha Gubio and Alhaji Ali Isa equally carry enormous responsibilities. Beyond presenting policy alternatives, they must embody servant leadership, humility, accountability, competence, and inclusiveness. Every citizenregardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, locality, or political history must see themselves reflected in the vision they articulate.
Leadership thrives where trust exists. Trust flourishes where inclusion is practised. Inclusion becomes meaningful when every community believes it has a stake in governance and development.
The campaign period therefore offers an opportunity to build bridges rather than deepen divisions. It is an opportunity to engage citizens in meaningful dialogue about education, healthcare, agriculture, security, infrastructure, youth employment, women’s empowerment, environmental sustainability, digital innovation, and economic diversification. These are the issues that truly define the future of Borno.
The youth deserve opportunities that match their immense talents. Women deserve greater participation in leadership and economic development. Farmers require security and modern agricultural support. Entrepreneurs need an enabling business environment. Students deserve quality education. Healthcare systems require continuous strengthening. Rural communities deserve equal access to infrastructure and public services.
Only a united political movement can effectively pursue these aspirations.
The APC’s strength has always rested upon its capacity to mobilize diverse interests around common national and state objectives. Preserving that strength requires continuous dialogue, mutual respect, internal democracy, and shared sacrifice. Every ward, local government area,federal constituency, and senatorial district has an indispensable role to play in ensuring electoral success and effective governance thereafter.
Equally important is the recognition that electoral victory should never be viewed as an end in itself. Rather, it is the beginning of a solemn covenant between leaders and the people. Campaign promises must ultimately translate into measurable improvements in governance, transparency, security, service delivery, and economic opportunities.
Political unity before elections should evolve into governance unity after elections.
The people of Borno have sacrificed too much over the years to permit unnecessary political fragmentation. They deserve leadership that rises above personal interests and places the welfare of citizens at the centre of public policy.
If APC members stand together as one family, if stakeholders place collective progress above individual preferences, if supporters embrace reconciliation over resentment, and if Engr. Mustapha Gubio and Alhaji Ali Isa lead with fairness, competence, vision, and compassion, then the future of Borno will undoubtedly be brighter than its past.
Great societies are not built solely by visionary leaders; they are built by united citizens who choose cooperation over conflict and hope over division.
The task before every APC member today is therefore clear: rally behind Engr. Mustapha Gubio and Alhaji Ali Isa, strengthen grassroots mobilization, promote peaceful engagement, encourage issue-based campaigns, and demonstrate that unity remains the strongest foundation for democratic success.
A united Borno is stronger than any political faction.
A peaceful Borno is more prosperous than any divided victory.
A developed Borno benefits every family, every community, and every generation.
May this election become another milestone in the state’s remarkable journey from resilience to renewal, from recovery to prosperity, and from shared sacrifice to shared greatness. May the collective support and confidence of the people inspire Engr. Mustapha Gubio and Alhaji Ali Isa to devote their talents, experience, and energy toward building a Borno State that is more peaceful, more prosperous, more inclusive, and greater for all.
“The greatness of a state is measured not only by the leaders it elects, but by the unity of its people in pursuing a common destiny. When purpose overcomes division, peace inspires development, and every citizen becomes a stakeholder in progress, the future belongs to all.”
Cliff Stanley
Political Scientist /Analyst
Public theologian? Cliffstanley3@gmail.com. 07032826319
