Kebbi State Gov. Nasir Idris has selected former Commissioner for Finance Ibrahim Muhammad Augie as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, replacing his current deputy, Sen. Umar Abubakar Tafida.
The decision was announced as the governor prepares to seek a second term under the All Progressives Congress. Idris had already emerged as the APC’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election after receiving the backing of party stakeholders across the state.
APC National Organising Secretary Suleiman Argungu announced Augie’s selection in Birnin Kebbi. Reports said the new running mate previously served as the state’s commissioner for finance and is regarded as a longtime associate of the governor.
Idris said the decision was political and stressed that it was not the result of a personal disagreement with Tafida. He described Augie as a disciplined and capable person whom he had known for many years.
The change, however, has generated questions within the party, particularly because Tafida had previously been expected to remain on the ticket. A statement attributed to his media aide said the deputy governor was not consulted before the decision to replace him was announced.
Tafida has been Idris’s deputy since the governor took office in 2023. Their administration has continued to operate together as the APC builds its campaign structure ahead of the 2027 election.
The governor’s choice of Augie comes as political activity increases in Kebbi ahead of the next governorship contest. Opposition forces are also preparing for the election, with former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami emerging as a prominent figure in the opposition’s plans for the state.
With the new ticket now taking shape, attention will turn to how APC supporters respond to the change and whether the decision will affect party unity ahead of the election. For Gov. Idris, the immediate priority will be consolidating support for his second term while presenting Augie as the person who will join him on the ticket in 2027.
