My Replacement Was Not Because of Supreme Court Verdict — Kebbi Deputy Gov

The Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar-Tafida, has dismissed claims that his replacement as Governor Nasir Idris’ running mate for the 2027 governorship election was connected to the Supreme Court judgment on the 2023 election.

Abubakar-Tafida spoke in Argungu when thousands of supporters, political associates and well-wishers visited his residence to sympathise with him following the decision by the All Progressives Congress (APC), to replace him with former Commissioner for Finance, Ibrahim Muhammad-Augie.

The deputy governor described the narrative linking his replacement to the Supreme Court verdict as “unbecoming and bogus,” alleging that political opponents were exploiting the 2023 election litigation to tarnish his image.

READ ALSO: 19-Year-Old Woman Arrested For Allegedly Stealing Newborn Baby In Kebbi

He said he had accepted the decision in good faith, stressing that political positions were temporary and subject to the will of Allah.

Abubakar-Tafida said his replacement had not affected his relationship with Governor Nasir Idris, noting that both had worked together to advance the interests of Kebbi State.

He also reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nasir Idris, pledging to support both leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The deputy governor urged his supporters to accept the development as part of political dynamics and destiny, while cautioning against attempts to destroy the reputation of individuals for political reasons.

Earlier, an APC chieftain in Argungu Local Government Area, Kabiru Dan-Ankara, described Abubakar-Tafida as a longstanding philanthropist and grassroots politician who had supported less-privileged members of society before and after joining politics.

The controversy followed the APC’s announcement on August 16 that Abubakar-Tafida had been replaced by Ibrahim Muhammad-Augie as Governor Idris’ running mate for the 2027 election.

The party’s National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, who announced the decision in Birnin Kebbi, said the move followed consultations with stakeholders and legal experts over the litigation arising from the 2023 governorship election

The development has therefore placed the APC’s new political arrangement in focus, while Abubakar-Tafida’s declaration of continued loyalty to the party is expected to help maintain unity within the ruling party as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.