BY IBRAHIM BELLO

Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi has replaced his Deputy, Sen. Umar Abubakar-Tafida, with a former Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad-Augie, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

The National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, made the announcement at a solidarity gathering by people from Argungu Emirate in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

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

“We appraised the 2023 litigations 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,” the national organising secretary said.

He explained that Abubakar-Tafida had been briefed about the development and had 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,” Argungu said.

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.

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.

Responding, Gov. Idris said he had no problem with 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.

Idris described Muhammad-Augie as a disciplined and good-natured person whom he had 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 the areas of health and education.

Idris also highlighted the revival of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, saying the event attracted President Bola Tinubu to Argungu, where he made remarks on 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.

On his part, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu-Mera, expressed the emirate’s acceptance of Muhammad-Augie as the governor’s new running mate.

The emir, represented by his Senior Councillor, Alhaji 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, Gov. Nasir Idris,” he said.

Similarly, the APC Chairman of Augie local government area, Alhaji Bashir Yeriman-Mera, who spoke on behalf of other APC local government chairmen, endorsed the choice of Muhammad-Augie.

He pledged the commitment of the party structures across the state to work assiduously toward securing victory for the APC at all levels in the 2027 general elections. (NAN)

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