The National Chairman of the Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Forum (SBCC), Comrade Bulama Sawa, says the selection of Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa as running mate to APC governorship candidate Engr. Mustapha Gubio has strengthened unity and renewed confidence across Southern Borno.
In a statement in Maiduguri on Monday, Sawa said the APC Appreciation Tour across the region following Isa’s emergence was more than a political engagement, describing it as a historic homecoming that united communities in appreciation of the party for recognising one of their own.
The tour, led by Gubio and Isa, drew large crowds across Southern Borno, with traditional rulers, political leaders, elders, youths, women, students and party supporters turning out to receive the delegation and reaffirm their support for the APC.
A key highlight was the reception by traditional institutions across the five emirates and four local government areas visited, where residents praised the party for choosing a “humble, compassionate and humanitarian son of the soil” widely respected for public service.
Sawa said the tour reflected unity and solidarity in the region, as communities thanked the APC for giving Southern Borno the deputy governorship slot and pledged support ahead of the elections.
At the Biu Emirate, Isa’s maternal home, the Emir of Biu described him as a true son of the soil, while praising his father, Mallam Abdullahi Alkali Isa Miringa, as a respected elder statesman known for integrity, wisdom and service to Biu Emirate and Borno State.
Sawa said the royal endorsement underscored the family’s longstanding reputation for leadership and public service.
He added that the receptions across communities reflected public confidence in Isa’s humility and humanitarian record, noting his decades of service in Borno State.
Isa began his career in 1991 as an Audit Assistant and rose to Chief Administrative Officer (Audit), Assistant Director of Administration at Government House, Director of Research and Statistics at the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and Acting Director General.
He also coordinated humanitarian interventions, supported internally displaced persons, and assisted vulnerable communities during the insurgency.
Sawa said Isa’s Miringa family of Biu has produced generations of public servants, scholars and community leaders who have contributed to the state’s development.
He commended the APC for a decision he said had resonated strongly with the people, adding that the tour had reinforced confidence, inclusion and unity across Southern Borno.
Sawa also thanked emirs, district heads, local government councils, religious leaders, women, youths, students and community groups for their hospitality during the tour. 
He expressed confidence that the Gubio–Isa partnership combines leadership, administrative experience, humanitarian service and grassroots connection to promote peace, unity and development in Borno State.