Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has selected former Commissioner for Finance, Ibrahim Muhammad Augie, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, replacing the incumbent Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Tafida.

The change was announced on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu, during a gathering of supporters from the Argungu Emirate.

Argungu said the decision followed consultations with legal experts over litigation connected to the 2023 governorship election, in which Tafida was involved.

According to him, legal advice obtained from proceedings before the election tribunal, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court informed the party’s decision to seek another candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

He stressed that Tafida was not being replaced because of poor performance, but because of what he described as legal concerns arising from the previous litigation.

Argungu also claimed that Tafida had been informed of the decision and had accepted Augie’s nomination in good faith, noting that both men are from the Argungu Emirate.

Governor Idris, while speaking at the event, confirmed his acceptance of Augie as his new running mate and described the decision as political rather than the result of any personal disagreement with Tafida.

Idris described Augie as a disciplined and experienced politician whom he had known for a long time, adding that he was prepared to work with anyone capable of contributing to his administration.

The governor also highlighted projects executed by his administration in the Argungu Emirate, including the revival of the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival, and appealed to residents to support his re-election bid in 2027.

The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera, also endorsed the governor’s choice, saying the emirate had accepted the decision and remained loyal to the administration.

However, the deputy governor’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Yahaya Danjadda, disputed claims that Tafida had been consulted or was aware of the meeting where Augie was presented as his replacement.

In a Facebook post, Danjadda said no one had consulted the deputy governor before announcing a replacement and described claims suggesting otherwise as an attempt to damage Tafida’s reputation.

Meanwhile, Argungu warned APC members against anti-party activities, saying the party would take action against individuals working against its interests ahead of the 2027 elections.