Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi has replaced his Deputy, Sen. Umar Abubakar-Tafida, with a former Commissioner for Finance, Ibrahim Muhammad-Augie, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
The National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Suleiman Argungu, made the announcement at a solidarity gathering by people from Argungu Emirate in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.
Mr Argungu said the decision followed consultations with relevant stakeholders and legal experts over the litigation surrounding the 2023 governorship election involving Abubakar-Tafida.
“We appraised the 2023 litigations that engulfed the incumbent deputy governor.
“We held consultations with relevant stakeholders in the courts, from the Tribunal to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, where the case terminated.
“The sincere advice by legal experts is to get another candidate in preparation for 2027,” the national organising secretary said.
He explained that Abubakar-Tafida had been briefed about the development and had accepted the decision in good faith.
“Abubakar-Tafida is being dropped not on account of incompetence but because of legal hurdles.
“Abubakar-Tafida has consented to the choice of Ibrahim Muhammad-Augie as his replacement for the deputy gubernatorial seat, which he endorsed.
“Both of them are from the Argungu Emirate,” Argungu said.
The APC national official cautioned party members against anti-party activities, saying that the party would deal decisively with individuals working against its interests.
“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,” he said.
Argungu said although the party was aware of opposition to its administration, it was monitoring developments ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We know that there is opposition, but we are watching every move they make. APC will go for total victory in the forthcoming polls,” he said.
Responding, Gov. Idris said he had no problem with Abubakar-Tafida, stressing that the change was a decision made in the interest of the party and the 2027 election.
“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,” he declared.
Idris described Muhammad-Augie as a disciplined and good-natured person whom he had known for a long time.
“I am adaptable to any circumstance. I can function with any person. Muhammad-Augie is a nice man; I have known him for a long time as a disciplined personality,” he said.
