2027: “Based on professional legal advice,” Kebbi governor drops deputy, picks commissioner as running mate

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi state, has dropped Umar Abubakar Tafida, the incumbent deputy governor, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election and picked Ibrahim Augie as his replacement.

Augie served as the state’s commissioner for finance between 2015 and 2023.

In a statement on X on Sunday, Suleiman Argungu, national organising secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi, announced the decision at the presidential lodge in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

Argungu said the development was attributed to professional legal advice 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,” the post reads.

He said that the decision was made with the understanding and consent of Tafida.

He noted that there is no disagreement between the governor and his deputy.

On his part, Nasir Idris appealed for continued unity, support and cooperation as his administration pursues further development across the state.

Idris reiterated that there was no misunderstanding between him and Tafida, explaining that the decision to replace him as his running mate was necessitated by legal considerations.

The governor appealed for continued support, cooperation and prayers as his administration pursues further development across Kebbi state.

Prominent citizens of Kebbi who were in attendance during the announcement include Ibrahim Hassan Kundudan, representative of the Emir of Argungu, and Bashir Isah Mera, chairman of the APC in Augie LGA.