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Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has decided to drop his current deputy, Senator Umar Tafida, choosing former Finance Commissioner Ibrahim Augie as his running mate for the 2027 governorship race.
Suleiman Argungu, the National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made this public on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi while meeting with supporters from the Argungu Emirate.
Argungu explained that legal advice was sought before the decision was taken, particularly in relation to the litigations surrounding the 2023 election involving the incumbent deputy governor.
“We are here in our multitude from Argungu Emirate to thank the governor. In our meeting, we appraised the 2023 litigations that engulfed the incumbent Deputy Governor, Senator Tafida,” he said.
“We held consultations with relevant stakeholders in the courts, from the Tribunal to the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court, where the case terminated.
“The sincere advice by legal experts is to get another candidate ahead of 2027.
“We have briefed Senator Tafida about the development, and as a good Muslim, he has accepted the change in good faith,” Argungu added.
He stressed that Tafida was not dropped because of incompetence but because of what he described as legal hurdles arising from the 2023 litigation.
“Tafida is dropped not on account of incompetence but because of legal hurdles. Tafida has consented to the choice of Ibrahim Muhammad Augie as his replacement for the deputy governorship, which he endorsed. Both of them are from Argungu Emirate,” he noted.
The APC national organising secretary also warned party members against anti-party activities, vowing that the party would deal decisively with those he described as fifth columnists.
“The APC will deal decisively with elements of anti-party syndrome.
“You cannot declare your love for the Governor or the President but not love the APC. Loyalty, love and obedience must be wholesome.
“We know that there is opposition, but we are watching every move they make. APC will go for total victory in the forthcoming polls,” Argungu said.
Speaking at the gathering, Governor Idris said he had no personal disagreement with Tafida, describing the change as a political decision.
“All of us who are here have heard the narration by the APC national organising secretary on the matter.
“I have accepted the choice of the former Finance Commissioner, Ibrahim Muhammad Augie, as my running mate in the 2027 governorship election.
“I am adaptable to any circumstance. I can function with any person. Ibrahim Augie is a nice man. I have known him for a long time as a disciplined personality,” Idris said.
The governor also highlighted his administration’s projects and interventions in the Argungu Emirate, including the revival of the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival.
“I have served the people of Argungu to their applause. I have not only revived the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival but brought President Tinubu to witness the event, where he made remarkable comments about the festival.
“I have executed health and educational projects in the Emirate. It is worthwhile for them to triple their votes for me in the 2027 election,” Idris added.
The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera, also expressed support for the governor’s choice of Augie as the new running mate.
In a message delivered by his Senior Councillor, Kondudan Kabi, Ibrahim Hassan, the Emir said the entire Argungu Emirate had accepted the decision and reaffirmed its loyalty to the administration.
“We are here together with all the councillors of the Emirate Council and 35 district heads to show solidarity and allegiance to our leader, Governor Nasir Idris,” he said.
The APC Chairman of Augie Local Government, Bashir Mera, who spoke on behalf of other APC local government chairmen, endorsed the choice of Augie and pledged to work towards the victory of the party at all levels in the 2027 general elections.
But the Senior Special Assistant to the Kebbi State Deputy Governor on New Media, Yahaya Danjadda, debunked claims that his principal was aware of the meeting where the purported new running mate to Governor Idris for the 2027 governorship election was unveiled.
Danjadda made this known in a post on his Facebook handle, where he stated that nobody had consulted his principal before presenting a candidate for the position of Deputy Governor.
According to him, the claim that the deputy governor was aware of the meeting was an attempt to tarnish his image.
He maintained that his principal was not consulted regarding the purported choice of a replacement for the position.
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