Hajiya Jamila Abdu Mani has become the All Progressives Congress candidate for Mani/Bindawa Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, breaking decades of male dominance in elective politics across Katsina State.
Mani, who works as Special Assistant on Girl Child Education and Child Development to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, won the party primary on Saturday with 24,989 votes. Her closest rival, Ahmed Saleh, received only 1,256 votes. The election was held under the watch of observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Shafi'u Abdu Duwan, the APC Electoral Committee chairman for the constituency, announced the results. "By the powers vested in me as Chairman of the Electoral Committee for Mani/Bindawa Federal Constituency, I hereby declare Hon. Jamila Abdu Mani as the duly elected APC candidate for the constituency for the 2027 general election," he said.
The victory marks a significant shift in Katsina politics, where men have controlled most elected positions for generations. APC supporters and women's groups celebrated the result as proof that attitudes are changing. Mohammed Ibrahim, an APC supporter present at the result announcement, said Mani's win showed growing acceptance of women in leadership and that the party was rewarding competence and loyalty.
However, the primary was not without controversy. Ahmed Saleh was reportedly placed under house arrest, which prevented him from fully campaigning in the race. The incumbent lawmaker, Ahmad Yusuf Doro, was persuaded to step down by a reconciliation committee led by former Governor Aminu Bello Masari.
In a separate development, Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, the member representing Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency, returned unopposed as the APC candidate for 2027. Speaking after the exercise, Majigiri called the outcome an "extraordinary success" and thanked party officials and supporters for their backing.
Majigiri highlighted his work at the National Assembly, including sponsoring a bill to establish a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Mashi. The bill has passed all three readings in the House of Representatives and awaits Senate concurrence. He expressed confidence it would soon receive presidential assent, saying it would significantly improve healthcare access in the state.
Mani's candidacy will be tested when the 2027 election campaign formally begins. Her opponents from other parties have not yet emerged.
