Katsina’s Only Female Aspirant Wins APC Reps Ticket: A Historic Primary in Bindawa/Mani
In a landmark political development in Katsina State, Jamila Abd-Mani has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag-bearer for the Bindawa/Mani Federal Constituency, making her the only female aspirant to secure a party ticket in the state for the 2027 general elections. Her victory, announced on Saturday in Mani Local Government Area, signals a potential shift in the region’s political landscape, where women have historically been underrepresented in elective offices.
The Primary Election: A Competitive Contest
The primary election, conducted by the APC electoral committee for the constituency, was necessitated after the party’s initial consensus approach failed. According to Shaif’u Audu-Duwan, chairman of the electoral committee, two aspirants—Abd-Mani and Ahmed Saleh—expressed interest, prompting a direct vote across all 22 wards of the constituency.
“The primary election was conducted for Bindawa/Mani because consensus did not work,” Audu-Duwan explained. “Therefore, we declared Abd-Mani the APC candidate for the constituency. This shows that APC is united, and we will work towards the party’s success.”
The results were decisive: Abd-Mani polled 24,989 votes against Saleh’s 1,256 votes, a margin of over 23,000 votes. This landslide victory underscores her grassroots appeal and organizational strength, particularly among women and youth who have long sought greater representation.
Context: Women in Nigerian Politics
Abd-Mani’s emergence is particularly significant given the broader challenges facing women in Nigerian politics. According to data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Nigeria ranks among the lowest in the world for female parliamentary representation, with women holding less than 4% of seats in the House of Representatives as of 2023. In Katsina State, a conservative region in the northwest, cultural and structural barriers often limit women’s participation in politics.
Political analysts note that Abd-Mani’s victory could inspire other women to contest in future elections. “This is a breakthrough for gender inclusion in Katsina,” said Dr. Amina Bello, a political scientist at Bayero University, Kano. “Her win demonstrates that when women organize effectively and build coalitions, they can overcome systemic obstacles.”
Abd-Mani’s Vision and Appeal
In her acceptance speech, Abd-Mani expressed gratitude to the people of Bindawa/Mani for their trust and to Governor Dikko Radda and the APC leadership for enabling her participation. She specifically appealed to women voters, urging them to support her in the 2027 general elections.
“By the grace of Almighty Allah, if elected as a member of the House of Representatives, I will use my experience to represent my constituency effectively,” she assured. Her platform reportedly focuses on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for women and youth—issues that resonate deeply in a constituency where poverty and illiteracy rates are high.
For context, Bindawa/Mani Federal Constituency comprises two local government areas with a combined population of over 400,000 people. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, but limited access to credit, markets, and modern farming techniques hampers productivity. Abd-Mani has pledged to advocate for federal agricultural programs and small-business loans.
Other APC Primaries in Katsina
The APC also conducted primaries in other constituencies. In the Charanchi/Rimi/Batagarawa Constituency, Usman Banye was reaffirmed as the consensus candidate, while Salisu Majigiri, the incumbent representative for Mashi/Dutsi, retained his ticket. These outcomes suggest that the party is balancing continuity with new faces, as Abd-Mani represents a fresh voice in the race.
Looking Ahead: The 2027 General Elections
Abd-Mani now faces the challenge of translating her primary victory into a general election win. She will need to broaden her coalition beyond women and youth to include traditional leaders, religious figures, and party elders. Her opponent, Ahmed Saleh, has yet to announce his next steps, but political observers expect him to either support Abd-Mani or defect to another party.
For the APC, Abd-Mani’s candidacy is a strategic asset. In a state where the party faces stiff competition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition groups, fielding a female candidate could help attract women voters—a demographic that often decides close races. Nationally, the APC has made gender inclusion a talking point, and Abd-Mani’s success could bolster the party’s image ahead of the 2027 elections.
Conclusion
Jamila Abd-Mani’s emergence as the APC flag-bearer for Bindawa/Mani is more than a personal achievement; it is a milestone for women’s political participation in Katsina State. Her victory, achieved through a competitive primary, reflects a growing demand for inclusive governance. As she campaigns for the general election, all eyes will be on whether she can break the glass ceiling and become one of the few women to represent a northern constituency in the National Assembly.
This article is based on reporting by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). For more information, read the original source.