By Ben Atonko
One of the most intriguing contests to watch ahead of the 2027 general elections is the battle for the Sankera Federal Constituency seat.
Sankera is made up of three Local Government Areas: Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum.
Six political parties have presented candidates across the three councils.
Logo LGA has two candidates, Terris Damsa of Gambe Tiev – PDP and Kester Kyenge of Ugondo – NDC.
Katsina-Ala LGA fields three: Solomon Wombo of Loko, incumbent under APC Jack Mulya of Shitile on the ADC platform and Dennis Anshula of LP.
Ukum LGA has just one. That is Lawrence Vihimga of Mbaterem, riding on the Horse Party, SDP.
Sankera has endured turbulence both in governance and security.
The entry of the Horse Party’s governorship candidate, Prof. Sebastine Hon SAN has energized the SDP in sankera and the state as a whole following the candidate’s strong commitment to tackle insecurity.
His campaign message of “Chan u ya chan”, ending insecurity and tackling poverty at all cost has resonated strongly with the people particularly those at the grassroots who are mostly affected.
That momentum is cascading down to the party’s House of Reps candidates.
Vihimga embodies that message. He is warm-hearted, affable, eloquent and well-loved across sankera.
A man known for generosity and community service, he connects easily with the electorate, both young and old, lower and higher class.
Crucially, being the only candidate from Ukum, the largest LGA in Sankera gives him a clear structural advantage. Born and brought up in Katsina-Ala gives him added advantage over the rest of the candidates.
The other five candidates will be splitting votes within Logo and Katsina-Ala.
With a united Ukum base, the SDP wave and a candidate who speaks the language of the people, the Sankera House of Reps race appears to be heading in one direction.
Vihimga has not just stood election. He is the prospective member of the Green Chamber in 2027.
