By Abasi Ita
A major political upset has emerged in Katsina Central Federal Constituency as the All Progressives Congress (APC) settled for Abba Mangal as its consensus candidate, displacing incumbent lawmaker Hon. Sani Aliyu Danlami in the race for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
Danlami, who is serving his second term in the Green Chamber, lost the party ticket after days of consultations and negotiations among APC stakeholders, power brokers and aspirants within the constituency.
The consensus decision produced Abba Mangal, son of influential businessman Dahiru Mangal, as the party’s flag bearer for the constituency.
The outcome represents a significant shift in the political balance of the area, given the sitting lawmaker’s incumbency and established political structure.
Abba Mangal, a legal practitioner, reportedly did not publicly declare interest in the race before his emergence as the consensus choice, a development that has triggered discussions across political circles in Katsina State.
Following the decision, Hon. Danlami accepted the outcome and appealed to his supporters to remain calm and law abiding.
In a statement, he urged party members to avoid any form of violence, stressing the importance of unity, peace and stability within the APC and the wider political environment.
Sources familiar with the process said the consensus arrangement followed two days of intensive consultations held between Tuesday and Thursday, involving aspirants and their backers.
The process was described as highly competitive, with several prominent figures in the constituency initially jostling for the party’s ticket.
Other aspirants reportedly in the race included 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, father of the emerging candidate, is regarded as one of the most influential political actors in Katsina State, with a longstanding role in shaping political outcomes and electoral decisions over the years.
His political influence is believed to date back over two decades, including support for key electoral victories in the state.
However, this marks the first time a member of his immediate family is directly contesting for elective office on a major political platform.
As the APC moves forward with its consensus arrangement, attention has now shifted to the reaction of aggrieved aspirants and the party’s ability to maintain unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
