By Ayox Ojo
Kebbi Governor, Nasir Idris, has picked an-ex Commissioner for Finance in the state, Ibrahim Augie, to replace Senator Umar Tafida, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship
This was disclosed on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi by the National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Suleiman Argungu.
The APC chieftain who spoke during a gathering of supporters of the party from the Argungu Emirate.
He said the decision was taken based on legal advice about litigations that trailed the 2023 election involving the incumbent deputy governor.
Argungu said the incumbent deputy governor was dropped because of the legal hurdles.
He also claimed that Tafida had accepted the choice of Augie as his replacement for the deputy governorship position since both of them are from Argungu Emirate.
“We are here in our multitude from Argungu Emirate to thank the governor. In our meeting, we appraised the 2023 litigations that engulfed the incumbent Deputy Governor, Senator Tafida,” he said.
“We held consultations with relevant stakeholders in the courts, from the Tribunal to the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court, where the case terminated.
“The sincere advice by legal experts is to get another candidate ahead of 2027.
“Tafida is dropped not on account of incompetence but because of legal hurdles. Tafida has consented to the choice of Ibrahim Muhammad Augie as his replacement for the deputy governorship, which he endorsed. Both of them are from Argungu Emirate,” he noted.
Speaking at the event, Governor Idris also endorsed the narration of the APC national organising secretary on the reason for his choice of new running mate.
“I have accepted the choice of the former Finance Commissioner, Ibrahim Muhammad Augie, as my running mate in the 2027 governorship election.
“I am adaptable to any circumstance. I can function with any person. Ibrahim Augie is a nice man. I have known him for a long time as a disciplined personality,” Idris said.
He also highlighted his administration’s projects and interventions in the Argungu Emirate, noting that he has revived the popular Fishing and Cultural Festival.
“I have served the people of Argungu to their applause. I have not only revived the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival but brought President Tinubu to witness the event, where he made remarkable comments about the festival.
“I have executed health and educational projects in the Emirate. It is worthwhile for them to triple their votes for me in the 2027 election,” Idris added.
The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera, in a message delivered by his Senior Councillor, Kondudan Kabi, Ibrahim Hassan, at the event expressed support for the governor’s choice of Augie as the new running mate.
In the same vein, the APC Chairman of Augie Local Government, Bashir Mera, who spoke on behalf of other council chiefs also endorsed the choice of Augie and pledged to work towards the victory of the party at all levels in the 2027 general elections.
