Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has dismissed as false and malicious the rumour claiming he plans to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside five other governors.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson Dauda Iliya, the governor described the report as a “fictitious and mischievous social media creation” orchestrated by political detractors with no contribution to Borno or Nigeria’s development. He stated clearly that the rumour is “entirely false and exists only in the imagination of its sponsors.”

Zulum reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC, stressing his commitment to the progress and stability of Borno State. He urged the public and the media to disregard such unfounded reports and rely only on credible official sources for information.

The clarification comes amid intensifying discussions around a proposed opposition coalition under the ADC, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and several ex-governors, aimed at challenging President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.