Kebbi APC Faces Political Tension Over Deputy Governor’s Replacement as Running Mate. 

Kebbi APC Faces Political Tension Over Deputy Governor’s Replacement as Running Mate.

In Kebbi State, subtle political tensions are unfolding within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the 2027 governorship election approaches. The controversy centers around Governor Nasir Idris’s decision to replace his deputy, Umar Abubakar-Tafida, with Ibrahim Muhammad Augie, a former commissioner for finance, as his running mate. This move has sparked a political dispute involving the governor, his deputy, and the newly announced running mate.

The announcement was made on Sunday at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi by the APC National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Muhammad Argungu. During a visit by stakeholders from the Argungu Emirate, Argungu explained that the decision to appoint Augie followed professional legal advice concerning Tafida’s eligibility to serve as the deputy governor’s running mate in 2027. He emphasized that the party considered legal issues arising from the 2023 governorship election and concluded that Augie was the suitable choice for the ticket. Argungu insisted that the decision was made with Tafida’s understanding and consent, denying any disagreements between the governor and his deputy.

However, the circumstances surrounding Tafida’s replacement quickly became contentious. Tafida’s aide, Yahaya Danjadda, contested the APC’s claim that Tafida was consulted before the announcement. Danjadda, the Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on New Media, stated that Tafida was not involved in the decision and accused those spreading the claim of attempting to tarnish Tafida’s reputation. This conflicting account has raised questions about whether Tafida had personally agreed to step aside.

The decision to replace Tafida is believed to be linked to legal concerns from the 2023 election litigation. After that election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenged Idris’s victory, citing an allegation that Tafida presented a forged secondary school testimonial. The Court of Appeal dismissed the allegation in November 2023, affirming Idris’s victory, and the Supreme Court upheld the ruling in January 2024. Despite this, APC officials have not publicly clarified which specific legal issues prompted the replacement.

Tafida has publicly reacted, dismissing claims that the Supreme Court ruling was responsible. Speaking in Argungu, he described attempts to link his removal to the 2023 election litigation as false and aimed at damaging his reputation. He expressed acceptance of the political realities but rejected the narrative that his replacement was justified by the court’s decision. Tafida also emphasized that he had no objection if the change was meant to strengthen the party and improve electoral prospects, urging supporters to remain calm, as political positions are temporary.

While Tafida remains deputy governor, his replacement as the APC’s 2027 gubernatorial running mate has added a new layer to the political controversy in Kebbi. The dispute underscores the complex interplay of legal, political, and personal factors shaping the state’s upcoming electoral contest.