Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris Drops Deputy, Names Ibrahim Augie New Running Mate for 2027
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has selected Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad Augie as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, replacing the incumbent Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida Arugungu. The announcement was made on Sunday at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi during a thank-you visit by stakeholders from the Argungu Emirate to the governor. The decision was formally communicated by the All Progressives Congress National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, who explained the reasoning behind the change to a gathering of party members and supporters present at the event.
According to Argungu, the decision to replace the incumbent deputy governor as running mate was based on professional legal advice concerning his eligibility to continue in that capacity ahead of the 2027 general election. He stated clearly that the present deputy governor was dropped from the ticket following this legal guidance, rather than as a result of any internal conflict within the administration. Argungu further disclosed that the decision had been reached with the full understanding and consent of Tafida Arugungu himself, stressing that no disagreement existed between the governor and his deputy over the matter.
Governor Idris also addressed the development directly while speaking with journalists after the event, dismissing any suggestions that his relationship with the outgoing deputy governor had become strained. He assured party members, supporters and the wider public that he would continue to work closely with his new running mate as his administration pressed forward with its development agenda across the state. The governor called for unity and cooperation among APC members and supporters, urging them to remain focused on the party’s broader objectives ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
Following the announcement, Argungu formally introduced Ibrahim Muhammad Augie as the new running mate to Governor Idris for the 2027 governorship election. He appealed to politicians, party members and supporters across Kebbi State to accept the development in good faith and to work collectively toward strengthening the party’s chances in the upcoming election. Augie previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Kebbi State during the administration of former Governor Atiku Bagudu, giving him prior experience within the state’s political and administrative structures. He hails from Augie Local Government Area, a detail that has been highlighted as part of efforts to broaden representation across the state’s various regions.
The decision comes after weeks of speculation in Birnin Kebbi and other parts of the state regarding a possible change to the governor’s running mate, with political observers closely watching how the administration would handle the sensitive matter. Governor Idris used the occasion to also highlight some of his administration’s achievements, particularly within the Argungu Emirate, while appealing for continued support, cooperation and prayers as his government works to deliver further development across Kebbi State. Other dignitaries present at the event included representatives of the Emir of Argungu and senior party officials from within the Argungu Emirate axis of the state.
With the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections continuing to take shape across various states, the reconstitution of Governor Idris’s ticket adds to a growing list of political realignments taking place within Nigeria’s ruling party. Observers note that eligibility-related concerns have increasingly influenced running mate selections in several states as parties work to ensure their candidates meet all constitutional and legal requirements well ahead of the next election cycle.
About the Author
