Danlami loses APC ticket in Katsina Central after consensus choice of Abba Mangal sparks political shake-up ahead of 2027 elections
KATSINA, Nigeria, 1 May 2026: Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Sani Aliyu Danlami, on Friday, 1 May 2026, lost his bid to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for Katsina Central Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections, following a high-stakes consensus arrangement that produced Abba Mangal as the party’s flag bearer.
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Hon. Sani Aliyu Danlami, who is serving his second term in the House of Representatives, was edged out after days of intense consultations among APC stakeholders in Katsina State, marking a major political setback in what many had expected to be a straightforward renomination exercise.
The outcome of the process led to the emergence of Abba Mangal, a legal practitioner and son of influential businessman Dahiru Mangal, whose selection has triggered wide reactions across political circles in the state.
The decision was reached after what party insiders described as extensive negotiations involving key aspirants and power brokers.
The development represents a significant shift in the political dynamics of Katsina Central, particularly given Hon. Sani Aliyu Danlami’s incumbency advantage and established grassroots support base.
According to reports, the consensus talks stretched over two days, from Tuesday to Thursday, involving multiple rounds of deliberations among aspirants and their supporters in a bid to avoid internal division within the party.
Other aspirants who reportedly contested for the ticket included Lawal Amadu Joka, a former Aide-de-Camp to ex-Governor Aminu Bello Masari, Haruna Maiwada, Ibrahim Ali Guguwa, and Hon. Abdurashid Abba.
Party sources said the process was highly competitive, with intense lobbying and strategic consultations shaping the final outcome that ultimately favoured Abba Mangal.
Dahiru Mangal, widely regarded as a powerful political figure in Katsina State, is known for his long-standing influence in the state’s political landscape, which has spanned over two decades and includes involvement in major electoral and appointment decisions.
The emergence of his son as a frontline candidate is being viewed as a notable development, marking the first time a member of the Mangal family has directly secured a major elective party ticket.
In a brief reaction, Hon. Sani Aliyu Danlami accepted the outcome of the consensus process and called on his supporters to remain calm and peaceful.
He urged party members to prioritise unity and stability within both the APC and Katsina State, despite the disappointment of the result.
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The APC is expected to finalise its candidate list ahead of the 2027 elections as political realignments continue to shape contest outcomes across constituencies in the state.
