Youths from the nine local government areas in Borno South Senatorial District have raised N38.5 million to support the purchase of nomination forms for Ali Ndume ahead of the 2027 Senate election.

The fundraising effort, held in Maiduguri, was organised by Borno South youths under the leadership of their coordinator, Babandi Shehu, as part of preparations for the All Progressives Congress primary election scheduled for May 18, 2026.

According to the party’s timetable for the 2027 general elections, aspirants seeking Senate seats are required to pay N50 million for the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms. The youths said the funds raised would go toward securing the forms for Ndume, whom they described as a committed representative and strong voice for democracy.

Shehu said their support was driven by Ndume’s contributions to the district and his reputation for speaking truth to power, regardless of political consequences.

“Ndume is not only a senator but a nationalist whose courage and commitment to democratic values have earned him the trust of the people,” he said, adding that Nigeria needs leaders who can hold the executive accountable and defend the public interest.

Also speaking at the event, Junaid Maiva thanked the youths for their gesture, noting that their support reflects confidence in Ndume’s record of service.

He highlighted several projects and legislative achievements credited to the senator, including his role in the establishment of the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, the proposed Federal Medical Centre in Kwaya-Kusar, the Federal College of Agriculture in Shani, the Nigerian Army University Biu, and the North East Development Commission.

Maiva also pointed to housing projects built for internally displaced persons in Gwoza and Damboa, saying these and other interventions inspired the youths to mobilise resources to support Ndume’s bid for what would be his fifth term in the Senate.