GOVERNOR Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has dropped the incumbent Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida Arugungu, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election and picked Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad Augie as his replacement.
News Point Nigeria reports that the announcement was made on Sunday at the Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi, during a thank-you visit by stakeholders from the Argungu Emirate to Governor Idris.
The National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, announced that Senator Tafida had been replaced by Augie as Governor Idris’ running mate for the 2027 general election.
According to him, the decision to drop the incumbent deputy governor was based on professional legal advice concerning his eligibility.
“The present Deputy Governor was dropped as the running mate to Governor Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu for the 2027 general election based on professional legal advice,” Argungu said.
He subsequently announced Augie as the new running mate to Governor Idris for the 2027 election.
Argungu stressed that the decision was reached with the understanding and consent of Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, insisting that there was no disagreement between the governor and his deputy.
He urged politicians, party members and supporters across the state to remain united and work collectively for the success of the APC in the 2027 general election.
Speaking at the event, Governor Idris expressed appreciation to the people of the Argungu Emirate for their continued support and cooperation with his administration.
The governor reiterated that there was no disagreement between him and Tafida, explaining that the decision to replace him as his running mate was necessitated by legal considerations and made with the deputy governor’s understanding and consent.
Idris also highlighted some of his administration’s achievements, particularly across the Argungu Emirate, and appealed for continued support, cooperation and prayers as his administration pursues further development across Kebbi State.
Other speakers at the occasion included the representative of the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Kundudan Kabi, and the APC Chairman of Augie Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Government APC Chairmen (ALGON), Alhaji Bashir Isah Mera.
The speakers reaffirmed their support for Governor Idris and highlighted some of his administration’s developmental achievements across the Argungu Emirate.