Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum is the APC candidate. His first political outing was his appointment as the Rector of Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, his alma mater in 2011 by the Borno State 
governor, Kashim Shettima. He reportedly combined his teaching job at UNIMAID with his new appointment as the polytechnic rector. He was later appointed the Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RRR) in 2015, overseeing reconstruction of towns and communities destroyed by Boko Haram. He speaks on his vision for the state.
What is your vision for Borno State?
The incumbent governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima has laid a solid foundation for the rebuilding of Borno. You know many of our schools and hospitals have been destroyed by insurgency. We will continue the rebuilding agenda of the present government. Interestingly, I am part of the government and have been involved in the rebuilding process. So I am not new to the challenges involved but with the support of the people, we will improve on what has been done so far.
Are you talking of the reconstruction and rehabilitation which you have been handling as RRR commissioner?
I am generally talking about rebuilding of health, education and public institutions affected by the insurgency. This is not limited to rebuilding of physical structure alone but carrying on, on the efforts that are being laid down by our governor in the last seven and half years. He has laid a solid foundation. What is important for us is to be united because only God gives power to who He wants.