Jelili Gbadamosi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State has replaced Deputy Governor Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida Arugungu as Governor Nasir Idris’ running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
The party announced Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad Augie, a former Commissioner for Finance in the state, as the new running mate on Sunday at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi.
The announcement was made by the APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, during a thank-you visit by stakeholders from the Argungu Emirate to Governor Idris.
Argungu explained that the decision followed professional legal advice regarding the eligibility of the incumbent deputy governor to contest alongside Idris in the 2027 election.
He, however, stressed that the change was made with Tafida Arugungu’s understanding and consent, insisting that there was no disagreement between the governor and his deputy.
“Based on professional legal advice, the present Deputy Governor was dropped as the running mate to Governor Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu for the 2027 general election,” Argungu said.
He subsequently announced Augie as the governor’s new running mate and urged APC members and supporters across the state to accept the decision and remain united ahead of the election.
Governor Idris, while reacting to the development, also dismissed reports of a rift between him and the outgoing deputy governor.
He assured party members that he would work closely with Augie and called for unity and continued support for his administration.
Augie, who hails from Augie Local Government Area, served as Commissioner for Finance during the administration of former Governor Atiku Bagudu.
The governor also thanked the people of the Argungu Emirate for their continued support and cooperation with his administration.
