By Abduŕrazaq Abdullahi

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State is facing internal tension following the emergence of a candidate for the Mani/Bindawa Federal Constituency.

Ahmed Saleh Junior, who is well-known in Mani and Bindawa Local Government Areas for his community support and political involvement, was initially endorsed through a consensus process by stakeholders from Mani Local Government.

In the 2023 elections, Ahmed Saleh Junior had contested the APC primaries for the same seat but lost to a candidate from Bindawa. Ahead of 2027, following the party’s zoning arrangement that returned the seat to Mani, several aspirants indicated interest, including Ahmed Saleh Junior, Aminu Ashiru Mani, Jamila Abdu Maigoyo, and Lawal Tukur.

According to party sources, a stakeholders’ meeting was held in Mani where 32 members reportedly reached a consensus endorsing Ahmed Saleh Junior as the candidate. His name was subsequently published in the APC official gazette as one of the successful candidates.

However, following complaints from other aspirants, Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda directed that the process be repeated with the inclusion of stakeholders from Bindawa Local Government.

A second meeting was convened, but Bindawa stakeholders reportedly did not physically attend.

Mani stakeholders later conducted another vote, with Ahmed Saleh Junior again receiving unanimous endorsement from those present. The outcome was forwarded to the Daura Zone reconciliation committee and the state governor.

Despite this, the party announced Jamila Abdu Maigoyo as the candidate for the Mani/Bindawa Federal Constituency, a development that has generated dissatisfaction among some party members in the area.

The situation remains tense as stakeholders continue to engage with the party leadership on the matter.

Governor Radda had earlier emphasised during a stakeholders’ meeting that the candidate selection process should be based on fairness, consensus, and the will of the people, with no room for imposition.

The APC is yet to issue an official statement addressing the concerns raised by stakeholders in the constituency.

Abdullahi,  a public affairs analyst, writes from Katsina