Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has dropped his deputy, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida-Arugungu, and named Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad Augie, a former Commissioner for Finance, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
The announcement came on Sunday at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi, during a thank-you visit paid to the governor by stakeholders from the Argungu Emirate.
It was made by the All Progressives Congress’ National Organizing Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, who told the gathering that the switch was driven by legal concerns over the incumbent deputy’s eligibility to run again.
“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, before formally presenting Augie as the governor’s new pick.
Speaking to journalists after the event, Governor Idris moved quickly to quash speculation of a rift with his outgoing deputy, insisting the decision was mutual. “So, we met, we have discussed with my Deputy Governor and his people, and we all agreed,” he said, adding that the change had been reached with Tafida’s full understanding and consent.
The governor called for unity within party ranks and urged members and supporters across the state to rally behind the new ticket as his administration pushes ahead with development projects. Argungu echoed that appeal, urging politicians and APC loyalists statewide to embrace the development for the sake of the party’s fortunes in 2027.
Also on hand were the representative of the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Kundudan Kabi, and the APC chairman of Augie Local Government Area, Alhaji Bashir Isah Mera, both of whom reaffirmed support for Idris and pointed to development strides made across the Argungu Emirate under his watch.
Augie, who hails from Augie Local Government Area, served as Commissioner for Finance under former Governor Atiku Bagudu, now Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning. He is expected to replace Tafida-Arugungu, a former senator for Kebbi North who has served as deputy governor since Idris took office in May 2023, on the 2027 ticket.
The reshuffle comes months after Idris was formally affirmed as the APC’s governorship flagbearer for 2027 at a primary held in May and sets the stage for a new chapter in the party’s campaign ahead of the general election.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Governor Nasir Idris has replaced Deputy Governor Umar Tafida-Arugungu with former Finance Commissioner Ibrahim Augie as his running mate for the 2027 election, citing legal advice on Tafida’s eligibility rather than any political rift.
Both the governor and APC officials stressed the switch was mutual and amicable, with Idris now calling for party unity as he heads into the 2027 race with Augie by his side.
