Katsina Governor’s Aide Jamila Mani Wins APC House of Representatives Primary

Katsina governor’s aide Jamila Mani wins the APC primary for Mani/Bindawa Federal Constituency after securing a landslide victory ahead of the 2027 general elections.

By Chisom Adaeze

Jamila Mani has emerged as the winner of the All Progressives Congress primary election for the Mani/Bindawa Federal Constituency seat in Katsina State ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The primary election, held on Saturday as part of the APC’s ongoing National Assembly primaries nationwide, saw Mani secure a decisive victory over her closest challenger, Ahmed Saleh.

According to the official results announced after the exercise, Jamila Mani polled 24,989 votes, while Saleh received 1,256 votes, giving the governor’s aide a commanding lead in the contest.

Her victory marks a significant political milestone, particularly as conversations around female political representation and youth inclusion continue to gain momentum within Nigeria’s political space. Mani, who currently serves as Special Assistant on Girl Child Education and Development to the Katsina State governor, has been known for advocacy focused on education, women’s empowerment, and community development.

Political observers say her emergence could signal increasing support for younger and female candidates within the APC structure in northern Nigeria, where women have historically remained underrepresented in elective political offices.

The APC primaries in Katsina also reflected broader internal party strategies ahead of the 2027 elections. In several other constituencies across the state, party stakeholders reportedly adopted consensus arrangements, leading to affirmation-style primaries rather than competitive voting exercises.

Party officials described the consensus model as an effort to reduce internal conflicts and maintain unity within the APC as preparations intensify for the next election cycle.

The ruling party is currently conducting House of Representatives primaries across multiple states nationwide, with political lobbying, negotiations, and strategic alignments continuing to shape candidate selections ahead of the general elections.

Analysts note that the ongoing primaries are becoming an early test of influence within the APC, particularly as politicians, governors, and party stakeholders position themselves for control ahead of 2027.

Jamila Mani’s victory is also expected to attract attention beyond Katsina, especially among groups advocating for greater participation of women and young professionals in Nigerian politics.

As campaigns gradually begin to take shape across the country, the outcome of the APC primaries is likely to play a major role in determining the political landscape heading into one of Nigeria’s most anticipated election cycles in recent years.