By: Joy Musa
Professor Muhammad Sani Bello, popularly known as Mainan Zazzau, a former Director-General of Governor Uba Sani 2023 governorship campaign, has defected from the ruling party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
However, Professor Bello, a respected academic, previously served as Commissioner for Education and Commissioner for Information during the Uba Sani administration.
His defection was publicly welcomed by supporters of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, and allies of Hon. Muhammad Bashir Sa’idu, who described the move as a significant political development in the state.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Engr. Anas Adam, speaking on behalf of the group, congratulated Professor Bello for what he termed a “bold decision” to join the ADC, a party symbolized by the handshake. The statement suggested that Bello’s departure from the ruling party reflected growing dissatisfaction among key political actors with the current administration in Kaduna State.
Furthermore, the group alleged that the government led by Governor Uba Sani (popularly referred to by critics as Hankaka), alongside other political leaders, had failed to meet the expectations of the people. These claims, however, were presented as the opinion of the group and not independently verified.
Supporters of the ADC expressed hope that Professor Bello’s defection would strengthen the opposition and contribute to what they described as efforts to challenge policies they consider unjust and anti-people, both in Kaduna State and nationally.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kaduna State Government nor officials of the ruling party had issued an official response to the defection or the allegations raised.
Political observers note that the defection of high-profile figures such as Professor Bello could have implications for future political alignments in Kaduna State ahead of upcoming elections.
