With barely seven months to the 2027 governorship election in Katsina State, political activities are gathering momentum as parties intensify efforts to position themselves for what promises to be a fiercely contested race. While the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) appears focused on consolidating its hold on power through its incumbency advantage and established political structures, opposition parties are increasingly grappling with internal disputes that threaten to undermine their chances at the polls.

Across the state, many voters are expressing growing concerns over economic hardship, unemployment, and persistent security challenges. These issues have fueled conversations about the need for alternative leadership and fresh ideas. However, political observers believe that despite the apparent public appetite for change, opposition parties have so far struggled to present a united front capable of mounting a serious challenge to the ruling party.

The situation has become even more pressing following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to open its portal for political parties to upload the names of their governorship and House of Assembly candidates. While the APC appears largely settled, several opposition parties remain entangled in disputes over who should fly their flags, creating uncertainty at a critical stage of the electoral process.

Perhaps nowhere is this crisis more evident than within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party that many political watchers once believed could emerge as a formidable third force in Katsina politics.

In recent months, the ADC attracted several influential political figures from both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Among them are former Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Dr. Mustapha Inuwa; former Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Lawal Daura; and former Senator representing Katsina North, Ahmed Babba Kaita. Their arrival initially generated excitement among supporters who believed the party was building a coalition strong enough to disrupt the state's traditional political order.

Instead, the influx of heavyweight politicians appears to have triggered an intense struggle for control of the party. What began as a promising alliance has now degenerated into factional disputes, parallel congresses, accusations of manipulation, and threats of prolonged legal battles.

The crisis reached a new level when one faction of the party announced Senator Ahmed Babba Kaita as its governorship candidate, while another faction declared Salisu Lawal Uli as its preferred candidate. The controversy surrounding Kaita’s emergence has become particularly contentious, with disagreements over claims that he was selected through a consensus arrangement.

Dr. Mustapha Inuwa has openly rejected the outcome, insisting that no legitimate governorship primary election was conducted. According to him, rather than allowing party members to vote or agreeing on a genuine consensus candidate, a small committee allegedly ranked aspirants and declared a winner. He has consequently called for fresh governorship and legislative primaries.

Lawal Daura has also distanced himself from reports suggesting that he withdrew from the governorship race in favour of a senatorial ambition. The former intelligence chief maintains that he remains an aspirant and has warned that he could seek legal redress if the party fails to follow transparent procedures. On the other hand, supporters of Senator Kaita argue that extensive consultations among stakeholders showed he possesses the broadest political reach and remains the strongest candidate to challenge the APC.

The prolonged crisis has already begun taking a toll on the party. In a significant setback, Alhaji Ali Dantunkura, an ADC candidate for a National Assembly seat, recently resigned from the party. Although he cited personal reasons, political observers see the development as another sign of growing dissatisfaction within the ADC. Reports also indicate that several legislative aspirants are considering, or have already begun, moving to rival parties, particularly the APC and PDP. Sources within the political circle further claim that both major parties have intensified efforts to woo key ADC figures, including Dr. Inuwa.

While the ADC struggles to keep its house in order, the Peoples Democratic Party appears to have achieved a measure of stability around Senator Yakubu Garba Lado Danmarke.

Danmarke’s emergence as the PDP's leading governorship figure has helped calm internal tensions and energize supporters across the state. A seasoned politician who has served as a local government chairman, member of the House of Representatives, and senator, he enjoys an extensive political network and remains one of the most recognizable opposition figures in Katsina.

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Supporters of the PDP believe that public frustration over the cost of living and insecurity presents the party with a genuine opportunity to reclaim power. Their optimism received a boost recently when hundreds of retrenched civil servants reportedly met with Danmarke and pledged support for his ambition, citing dissatisfaction with their current circumstances.

Nevertheless, analysts caution that goodwill alone may not be enough. For the PDP to translate public sympathy into electoral success, it must strengthen its grassroots structures, expand its reach beyond traditional support bases, and convince undecided voters that it offers a practical alternative to the current administration.

Political analyst Abdulmuminu Shehu Sani believes opposition parties are running out of time to organize themselves effectively.

According to him, many of the parties that should be providing strong scrutiny of government policies have instead become consumed by internal power struggles.

“If you critically look at the trend in Katsina, you will find out that only a few political parties registered their presence in the state, and those that have registered are busy sleeping. Under normal circumstances, the opposition would be mounting strong pressure on the ruling party regarding socioeconomic activities. Unfortunately, they are too busy dragging out conflicts over who gets what,” he said.

Despite his criticism of the opposition, Sani noted that the APC should not assume victory is guaranteed. He argued that if opposition parties can quickly resolve their disputes and focus on issues affecting ordinary citizens, they could still make the race highly competitive.

For now, however, the APC remains the party to beat.

Under Governor Dikko Umar Radda, the ruling party continues to benefit from the advantages of incumbency, extensive grassroots structures, and strong political networks spread across the state's 34 local government areas. The administration has also invested heavily in rural development programmes and community-based initiatives aimed at maintaining public support.

As the countdown to the election continues, political observers believe the contest will ultimately be determined not only by the popularity of individual candidates but also by the ability of parties to stay united, mobilize supporters, and present a convincing vision for Katsina’s future.

With opposition parties battling internal divisions and the APC working to strengthen its grip on power, the road to the 2027 governorship election is already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political contests in the state's recent history.