Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has dismissed speculations that he plans to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the reports as baseless and politically motivated.

Zulum, in a statement on Sunday by his spokesperson, Malam Dauda Iliya, said the rumour making the rounds in some sections of the online media was a fabrication by: “unscrupulous elements seeking cheap relevance.”

He said there was no truth in the claim that he, alongside five other governors, were planning to join the ADC.

“We are aware of a fictitious and mischievous social media report circulating in certain quarters, alleging plans by me to decamp from the APC to the ADC, alongside five other governors.

“This is entirely false and exists only in the imagination of its sponsors. They are detractors who have made no meaningful contribution to the progress of Borno State or Nigeria. 

“It is a classic example of cheap, politically motivated speculation designed solely to distract us and create unnecessary political tension,” Zulum said.

The governor reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the APC and restated that his priority remained the peace, stability, and development of Borno.

“My loyalty to the APC remains firm and my dedication is solely to the welfare and progress of Borno State. I urge the good people of Borno and the general public to disregard this fabrication. 

“We have no time for cheap politics; our hands are full with the noble task of rebuilding and developing our dear state,” Zulum assured.

The governor cautioned the media and the general public to verify information from credible sources and not to fall for misinformation.

“We remain resolute in our commitment to serving Borno State under the banner of our great party, the APC,” Zulum said.

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Another Natasha’s row blows in Senate Tuesday

Another crisis is brewing in the Senate over the dispute between Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, after the Kogi-Central Senator’s vow to resume her seat following the court order that overruled her six-month suspension.

Natasha’s vow to resume on Tuesday, the next legislative day, following the judgment delivered last Tuesday, came as the Senate maintained its stance on her suspension claiming that it had yet to receive the Certified True Copy of the judgment.

Addressing jubilant supporters in a video circulating on social media, the Kogi Central lawmaker expressed gratitude for their steadfast backing. “I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God,” Natasha said in her vow to resume Senate sitting on Tuesday.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja last Friday ruled that her six-month suspension from the Senate was excessive, unconstitutional, and a violation of the rights of her constituents. The court ordered her immediate reinstatement.

The court, however, imposed a N5 million fine on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for contempt, citing a Facebook post she made that breached an earlier court injunction.

Justice Binta Nyako held that the post — a satirical apology directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio — contravened a March 4, 2025 interim injunction barring parties from making public statements or social media posts concerning the case.

Countering Natasha, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said that the CTC of the judgment was necessary for a thorough review and informed determination of the next course of action on whether she can resume.

“Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the senate shall refrain from taking any step that may prejudice its legal position,” he said.

Adaramodu expressed the senate’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, stressing that it would act strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon full clarification of the court’s pronouncements.

While urging the public to remain patient, he assured of senate’s fidelity to due process, as it awaits CTC of the court ruling to determine the next course of action as concerning when Natasha can resume her seat.