The Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Umar Abubakar-Tafida, has rejected claims that his replacement as Governor Nasir Idris’ running mate for the 2027 governorship election was linked to the Supreme Court judgement on the 2023 election
The APC had on August 16 announced that Abubakar-Tafida had been replaced by former Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad-Augie, as Governor Idris’ running mate for the 2027 governorship election
The party said the decision followed consultations with relevant stakeholders and legal experts over the litigation surrounding the 2023 governorship election involving Abubakar-Tafida
Following the 2023 election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Aminu Bande, challenged the victory of Idris and Tafida
Among the issues raised was an allegation that Mr Tafida presented a forged secondary school testimonial
However, the Court of Appeal rejected the allegation in November 2023 while affirming Mr Idris’s election
The dispute subsequently reached the Supreme Court, which affirmed Mr Idris’ election on 19 January 2024
Speaking on Wednesday when supporters, political associates and well-wishers visited his residence in Argungu, Abubakar-Tafida described the claim linking his replacement to the Supreme Court judgement as an attempt by his political opponents to exploit the litigation surrounding the 2023 governorship election to tarnish his image
The deputy governor said he had accepted the decision to replace him as the governor’s running mate as part of the dynamics of politics
“Whatever has happened, we have no objection because whatever is done is done with the permission and will of Allah
“Whatever a person does can never be effective without the permission of Allah
“There is nothing permanent in life With politics or without politics, you can still progress in life if God so wishes.
“But to capitalise on the technicality presented to the Election Tribunal by the opposition party and later ruled upon by the Supreme Court, and now say that I should be replaced, was totally unbecoming and bogus,” he said
Abubakar-Tafida alleged that the narrative was part of a deliberate attempt by his political opponents to portray him negatively and damage his political standing
“The motive of those peddling these lies is to tarnish my political image for eternity We will never succumb to that.
“We will continue to tell the true story of what happened
“Whoever does something to tarnish my image, I have left them with Allah He will judge them on their mission,” he said.
He stressed that his replacement had not affected his cordial relationship with Governor Idris, noting that they had worked together to advance the interests of the state
“I have been working cordially with my governor, Nasir Idris We have been doing a lot of things together.
“If what happened is about changes in politics for strategic purposes and winning elections, we have no objection to that,” he said
The deputy governor said he had accepted the governor’s decision in good faith, adding that political positions were temporary and subject to the will of Allah
Abubakar-Tafida also reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged to support President Bola Tinubu and Governor Idris ahead of the 2027 general elections
He urged his supporters and political associates to accept political developments as part of destiny, while cautioning against using political manoeuvring to destroy the reputation of individuals