Kebbi 2027: Governor replaces deputy as running mate

The Kebi State Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 governorship election, Nasir Idris, has replaced his deputy, Umar Abubakar Tafida, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

Governor Idris confirmed the development on Sunday during a meeting with stakeholders from the Argungu Emirate in Birnin Kebbi.

A former Commissioner of Finance, Ibrahim Augie, who is also from Argungu Emirate like Tafida, will replace him as the running mate of Idris.

Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, the governor said the decision was reached in consultation with the incumbent deputy governor and APC leaders.

Idris explained that Tafida was given the opportunity to nominate his preferred successor, resulting in the selection of Augie.

He said: “So, we met, we discussed with my Deputy Governor and his people, and we all agreed. 

“We even gave him the benefit of the doubt to choose anybody of his choice to replace him when the time comes.

“And he has chosen one of his brothers and I accepted him in good faith. 

“Therefore, there is no cause for alarm. 

“All the people here today are from the Deputy Governor’s area and they have also accepted what the Deputy Governor and the party did.”

The governor described Augie as a disciplined and capable individual whom he said he knows well.

Idris said: “I am a labour leader and I can work with anybody. 

“The person they brought is a former Commissioner of Finance. 

“He is a good man, a very disciplined person, and I know him in and out. 

“So, I don’t have any problem.”

The meeting was attended by the APC National Organising Secretary, Muhammad Arugungu, and other party leaders from the Argungu Emirate.