Kebbi State governor, Nasir Idris, has dropped his deputy, Senator Abubakar Umar Tafidan Kabi, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election and picked former Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad Augie, to replace him.
The governor announced the decision on Sunday night at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi when All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders from Augie Local Government Area paid him a thank-you visit.
Speaking on the development on behalf of the governor, APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammed Argungu, said the decision was based on professional legal advice concerning the eligibility of the incumbent deputy governor.
“Yes, it is confirmed that the present Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Abubakar Umar Tafidan Kabi, has been dropped as the running mate to Governor Nasir Idris in the 2027 general elections based on professional legal advice,” Argungu said.
He further confirmed that Augie had been selected as the new running mate to Governor Idris for the 2027 election.
Argungu, however, dismissed reports of a disagreement between the governor and his deputy, urging APC supporters in Argungu and Augie local government areas of the Argungu Emirate to remain calm and accept the development in good faith.
The decision comes amid weeks of speculation in Birnin Kebbi and other parts of the state over a possible change in the governor’s running mate.
Augie previously served as Commissioner for Finance during the administration of former Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
