The political chessboard in Kebbi State has shifted. Governor Nasir Idris will head into the 2027 governorship race with a new number two, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) officially unveiled Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad Augie as the governor’s running mate.
The announcement landed on Sunday at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi, delivered by the APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu. He was speaking during a thank-you visit from stakeholders of the Argungu Emirate, a gathering that turned into a stage for a significant political recalibration.
Argungu did not mince words about why the incumbent deputy, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida Argungu, was left off the ticket. He cited professional legal counsel regarding the senator’s eligibility to serve as running mate for the upcoming election. “The present Deputy Governor was dropped as the running mate to Governor Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu for the 2027 general election based on professional legal advice,” he stated.
He then confirmed Augie as the new running mate, framing the move as one made with the full understanding and consent of Senator Tafida. There was, he insisted, no rift between the governor and his outgoing deputy. Instead, he appealed to politicians, APC faithful, and supporters across the state to rally behind the new arrangement and push for party victory in 2027.
Governor Idris, speaking to journalists after the event, echoed that sentiment. He flatly dismissed any talk of a falling out with his former deputy and assured party members that he was ready to work with his new running mate. His message was one of unity and focus, steering the conversation toward the state’s development.
The new running mate is no stranger to Kebbi’s corridors of power. Ibrahim Muhammad Augie previously served as Commissioner for Finance under former Governor Atiku Bagudu. He hails from Augie Local Government Area.
The governor also took a moment to thank the people of the Argungu Emirate for their steady support, even as the political lineup in the state undergoes this notable change.
