Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has dropped his deputy, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, replacing him with former Commissioner for Finance Ibrahim Muhammad Augie in a decision the party attributed to "professional legal advice." The announcement, made on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi, has sent shockwaves through the state's political establishment and raised questions about the true motive behind the change.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, who made the announcement during a thank-you visit by stakeholders from the Argungu Emirate to the governor, insisted that the decision was based solely on legal considerations regarding the eligibility of the incumbent deputy governor. "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 declared. He further confirmed that Augie had been selected as the new running mate to Governor Idris for the 2027 election.
Argungu was at pains to stress that there was no falling out between the governor and his deputy. He said the decision was reached with Tafida's understanding and consent, and urged politicians, party members, and supporters across the state to accept the development and work together for the party's success in the 2027 election. Governor Idris also moved to quash rumours of a rift, reiterating that there was no disagreement between him and Tafida, and explaining that the change was necessitated by legal considerations.
The announcement came after weeks of intense speculation in Birnin Kebbi and other parts of the state over a possible change in the governor's running mate. The decision is particularly significant given that Tafida had been the governor's running mate in the 2023 election, when Idris, a former labour leader, defeated the then-incumbent, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu. The move suggests that the governor is seeking to consolidate his political base ahead of the 2027 elections, where he is expected to face a tough challenge.
Ibrahim Muhammad Augie, who now steps into the role of deputy governorship candidate, is a former Commissioner for Finance in Kebbi State. He served during the administration of former Governor Atiku Bagudu, from 2015 to 2023. He hails from Augie Local Government Area, a development that may be aimed at balancing the ticket and consolidating support in the Argungu Emirate, where Augie is from. The decision is also seen as a move by the governor to strengthen his chances in the 2027 election, by bringing in a running mate with a strong financial background and a proven track record.
Prominent citizens of Kebbi who were in attendance during the announcement included Ibrahim Hassan Kundudan, representative of the Emir of Argungu, and Bashir Isah Mera, chairman of the APC in Augie LGA. Both speakers reaffirmed their support for Governor Idris and highlighted some of his administration's developmental achievements across the Argungu Emirate.
The development comes as Kebbi State prepares for the 2027 general election, with the APC emphasising unity, continuity and stability within the party. However, the decision has also exposed the deep political calculations that often underpin such changes. While the party leadership has insisted that the decision was based on legal advice, the move is widely seen as a strategic political calculation aimed at strengthening the governor's ticket and ensuring victory in the 2027 election.
For now, the political landscape in Kebbi has been reshaped. Governor Idris has a new running mate, the APC has a new ticket, and the people of Kebbi will have to wait until 2027 to see if this change brings the victory the party seeks.
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