Governor Nasir Idris has replaced his deputy, Umar Abubakar-Tafida, with a former finance commissioner, Ibrahim Muhammad-Augie, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

The national organising secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Suleiman Argungu, announced the move at a solidarity gathering of people from Argungu Emirate in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

Mr Argungu said the decision followed consultations with relevant stakeholders and legal experts over the litigation surrounding the 2023 governorship election involving Mr Abubakar-Tafida.

“We appraised the 2023 litigation that engulfed the incumbent deputy governor. We held consultations with relevant stakeholders in the courts, from the tribunal to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, where the case terminated. The sincere advice by legal experts is to get another candidate in preparation for 2027,” Mr Argungu said.

He explained that Mr Abubakar-Tafida had been briefed about the development and accepted the decision in good faith.

“Abubakar-Tafida is being dropped not on account of incompetence but because of legal hurdles. Abubakar-Tafida has consented to the choice of Ibrahim Muhammad-Augie as his replacement for the deputy gubernatorial seat, which he endorsed. Both of them are from the Argungu Emirate,” Mr Argungu explained.

The APC national official cautioned party members against anti-party activities, saying that the party would deal decisively with individuals working against its interests.

“The APC will deal decisively with elements of anti-party syndrome. You cannot declare your love for the Governor or the President but not love the APC. Loyalty, love and obedience must be wholesome,” he said.

Mr Argungu said although the party was aware of opposition to its administration, it was monitoring developments ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We know that there is opposition, but we are watching every move they make. APC will go for total victory in the forthcoming polls,” he said.

The governor said he had no problem with Mr Abubakar-Tafida, stressing that the change was a decision made in the interest of the party and the 2027 election.

“All of us who are here have heard the narration by the APC national organising secretary on the matter. I have accepted the choice of the former finance commissioner, Ibrahim Muhammad-Augie, as my running mate in the 2027 governorship election,” he declared.

Mr Idris described Muhammad-Augie as a disciplined, good-natured person whom he has known for a long time.

“I am adaptable to any circumstance. I can function with any person. Muhammad-Augie is a nice man. I have known him for a long time as a disciplined personality,” he said.

The governor appealed to the people of the Argungu Emirate to reciprocate his administration’s development efforts with increased support in the 2027 election. He said his administration had implemented several projects in the emirate, particularly in health and education.

Mr Idris also highlighted the revival of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, saying the event drew President Bola Tinubu to Argungu, where he spoke about its significance.

“I have served the people of Argungu to their applause. I have not only revived the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival but brought President Bola 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,” he said.

The Emir of Argungu, Sama’ila Muhammadu-Mera, expressed the emirate’s acceptance of Mr Muhammad-Augie as the governor’s new running mate. The emir, represented by his senior councillor, Ibrahim Kondudan-Kabi, reaffirmed the traditional institution’s loyalty and support for the Idris administration.

“We are here together with all the councillors of the Emirate Council and 35 district heads to show solidarity and allegiance to our leader, Governor Nasir Idris,” he said.

The APC chairman of Augie council area, Alhaji Bashir Yeriman-Mera, who spoke on behalf of other APC local government chairpersons, endorsed the choice of Mr Muhammad-Augie. He pledged the party structures across the state to work to secure victory for the APC at all levels in the 2027 general election.

(NAN)