The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State has announced Ibrahim Muhammad Augie as the new running mate to Governor Nasir Idris ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The development means the Governor will not retain the incumbent Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida Argungu, as his running mate if he seeks another term in office.
The announcement was made on Sunday, August 16, 2026, during a meeting involving APC stakeholders from the Argungu Emirate and Governor Idris at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi.
The APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, disclosed the Party’s decision during the stakeholders’ visit, which was described as a thank-you visit to the Governor.
According to Suleiman, the decision to replace the incumbent Deputy Governor was based on legal advice concerning Tafida Argungu’s eligibility to continue as the Governor’s running mate in the 2027 election.
He said the decision followed professional legal consultations and was not the result of a political disagreement between Governor Idris and his deputy.
“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,” Suleiman said.
The APC national official also sought to calm speculation that the development could create a rift within the State’s ruling Party.
He explained that the decision was taken with the knowledge and consent of the current Deputy Governor, stressing that there was no dispute between Governor Idris and Tafida Argungu.
Suleiman subsequently appealed to APC members, political leaders and supporters across Kebbi State to accept the change and remain united ahead of the 2027 election.
He urged Party stakeholders to put the latest development behind them and concentrate on strengthening the APC and supporting the administration’s political objectives.
Governor Idris also addressed the issue after the meeting, dismissing suggestions that the change in running mate was linked to a disagreement between him and Tafida Argungu.
The Governor assured APC supporters that the decision would not affect the unity of the Party or the working relationship among its leaders.
Idris also expressed his readiness to work with the newly selected running mate and called on Party members to remain focused on the development of Kebbi State.
The decision is significant because the Governor and Tafida Argungu were elected together on the APC platform in the 2023 Kebbi State governorship election. Idris emerged as the APC candidate and subsequently won the governorship contest, with Abubakar Umar Argungu serving as his running mate.
Tafida Argungu has remained a prominent figure in the Kebbi administration since assuming office in May 2023. Recent reports have continued to identify him as the Deputy Governor and a key representative of the Governor at official engagements.
The emergence of Augie therefore represents a major political adjustment as the APC begins positioning itself for the next governorship election.
Who Is Ibrahim Muhammad Augie?
Ibrahim Muhammad Augie is a former Commissioner for Finance in Kebbi State. He served in the administration of former Governor Atiku Bagudu and is from Augie Local Government Area of the State.
His selection gives the APC a politician with previous experience in Government and knowledge of the State’s political and administrative structure.
Interestingly, Augie’s name had previously featured in discussions surrounding Kebbi politics. During preparations for the 2023 governorship election, he was listed among individuals who had been considered in connection with the APC governorship contest, although he did not ultimately emerge as the Party’s candidate.
His latest emergence as Governor Idris’ proposed running mate could therefore mark a new phase in his political career.
The APC’s decision also comes at a time when political activity surrounding the 2027 elections is gradually intensifying across Nigeria.
In Kebbi, Governor Idris and the APC have faced increasing political discussions over the next governorship contest, including questions about potential challengers and the Party’s preparations for the election. Recent reporting has highlighted political manoeuvring around the Governor and various influential figures in the State.
However, the latest announcement, as presented by the APC leadership, is centred on the eligibility issue surrounding the current Deputy Governor rather than any reported conflict between the two men.
The Party leadership has consequently urged its members to avoid actions or statements capable of creating division.
For Governor Idris, the selection of Augie now places a new political figure alongside him as the APC prepares for the 2027 contest. The Governor is expected to rely on the Party structure and its stakeholders across the State to consolidate support ahead of the election.
The replacement also gives political observers a new issue to watch as the 2027 Kebbi governorship race develops.
For now, the APC leadership insists that the change should not be interpreted as a breakdown in relations between Governor Idris and Tafida Argungu. Instead, the Party maintains that the decision was reached following legal advice and with the understanding of the incumbent Deputy Governor.
Governor Idris has equally appealed for unity, indicating that the priority of the administration and the Party should remain the development of Kebbi State and preparations for the next electoral cycle.
With Ibrahim Muhammad Augie now announced as the Governor’s new running mate, attention will likely shift to the legal basis for the eligibility concerns raised by the APC, the reaction of Tafida Argungu and other Party stakeholders, and how the development will shape the ruling Party’s strategy ahead of the 2027 Kebbi governorship election.