Nasir Idris, Kebbi State Governor, has replaced his deputy, Umar Tafida, with Ibrahim Augie, former Commissioner for Finance, as his new running mate for the 2027 poll.
The development was announced on Sunday in a statement by Suleiman Argungu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Organising Secretary and former deputy governor of the state, who attributed the change to professional legal advice concerning Tafida’s eligibility to contest alongside the governor in 2027.
The change came as political parties and their candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the choice of running mates expected to play a significant role in strengthening political alliances and meeting legal and electoral requirements.
The announcement also puts an end, for now, to speculation over the political future of Tafida within the Idris administration, with the APC leadership insisting that his removal from the ticket was based on legal considerations rather than a political dispute.
Argungu said the decision was not a result of any disagreement between Idris and his deputy, stressing that Tafida understood and consented to the change.
‘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 Idris for the 2027 governorship election.
Argungu appealed to politicians, APC members and supporters across Kebbi State to accept the development and work together to ensure the party’s success at the 2027 election.
The governor also dismissed suggestions of a rift between him and Tafida, urging APC members and supporters to remain united and continue supporting his administration.
Idris appealed for continued cooperation as his administration pursued its development agenda across the state.
Augie, the newly selected running mate, previously served as Commissioner for Finance during the administration of Atiku Bagudu, former Kebbi State governor.
He hails from Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State.