A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Sani Aliyu Danlami, has lost his bid to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the 2027 election in Katsina Central Federal Constituency.
Danlami, currently serving his second term at the Green Chamber, was edged out following days of intense consultations among party stakeholders and influential figures.
NewsWatch Nigeria reports that the stakeholders eventually settled for Abba Mangal, son of billionaire businessman Dahiru Mangal, as the party’s flag bearer.
The outcome marks a significant political shift in the constituency, given Danlami’s incumbency status and established grassroots network.
According to Daily Trust, party insiders said the decision followed extensive negotiations aimed at reaching a consensus acceptable to key stakeholders.
NewsWatch Nigeria reports that the emergence of Abba Mangal, a legal practitioner, has stirred reactions within political circles, particularly as he did not publicly declare interest in the race prior to the decision.
Reacting to the development, Danlami accepted the outcome of the consensus process and urged his supporters to remain peaceful.
In a statement, the lawmaker appealed to party faithful to shun violence and prioritise unity.
He stressed the need to maintain stability within both the party and the state, despite the outcome of the exercise.
Sources familiar with the process disclosed that the consensus arrangement spanned two days, from Tuesday to Thursday, involving multiple rounds of deliberations among aspirants and their backers.
The contest, according to the sources, was highly competitive, with several notable figures lobbying vigorously for the ticket.
Those said to have jostled for the position include 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.
Dahiru Mangal is widely regarded as a powerful figure in Katsina’s political landscape, with influence spanning over two decades.
His political involvement dates back to his support for the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s successful re-election as governor in 2003.
Since then, he is believed to have played a key role in shaping major political appointments and electoral outcomes across the state.
However, the emergence of Abba Mangal marks the first time a member of his immediate family has become a frontline candidate for elective office.
