Kebbi APC Tensions Rise Over Deputy Governor's Replacement

In Kebbi State, political tensions are escalating within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Governor Nasir Idris has chosen to replace his deputy, Umar Abubakar-Tafida, with Ibrahim Muhammad Augie as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election. The announcement was made on Sunday at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi by APC National Organising Secretary Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, who stated that the decision was based on legal advice regarding Tafida's eligibility.

Argungu insisted that Tafida was consulted and consented to the change, but this claim was contested by Tafida's aide, Yahaya Danjadda, who asserted that no consultation occurred. This contradiction has raised questions about Tafida's agreement to step aside.

The backdrop includes a legal challenge from the PDP regarding the 2023 election, which involved allegations against Tafida that were dismissed by the Court of Appeal and later affirmed by the Supreme Court on January 19, 2024. Despite the legal context, the APC has not specified the legal findings that led to Tafida's replacement.