A sitting member of the House of Representatives, Sani Aliyu Danlami, has lost his bid for re-election after failing to secure the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 polls in Katsina Central Federal Constituency.
Danlami, who is serving his second term in the Green Chamber, was edged out following days of high-level consultations and negotiations among party stakeholders and political power brokers.
The party eventually settled for Abba Mangal, son of influential businessman Dahiru Mangal, as its consensus candidate.
The decision marks a major political shift in the constituency, given Danlami’s incumbency and established grassroots network. The emergence of the younger Mangal, a lawyer who had not publicly declared interest in the race, has further stirred debate within political circles.
Despite the setback, Danlami accepted the outcome and urged his supporters to maintain peace.
In a statement, he called on party faithful to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing the need for unity and stability within both the state and the party.
Sources familiar with the process disclosed that the consensus arrangement followed two days of intense deliberations, spanning Tuesday to Thursday, with multiple aspirants and their allies lobbying vigorously for the ticket.
Among those who reportedly jostled for the position were Lawal Amadu Joka, a former aide-de-camp to ex-governor Aminu Bello Masari; Haruna Maiwada; Ibrahim Ali Guguwa; Sani Danlami; and Hon. Abdurashid Abba.
Political observers say the influence of Dahiru Mangal loomed large in the outcome. The businessman has long been a powerful figure in Katsina politics, with a track record of backing successful candidates, including the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua during his 2003 re-election as governor.
However, this marks the first time a member of his immediate family has emerged as a frontline candidate for elective office.
With the party’s flag bearer now decided, attention is expected to shift to how aggrieved aspirants and their supporters respond, and whether the APC can maintain unity ahead of the 2027 general elections in Katsina State.
