Professor Muhammad Sani Bello, former Director-General of the Kaduna State Governor’s 2023 campaign council, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and become a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a notable realignment in the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
The resignation was made public on January 7, 2026, in a letter addressed to the APC Chairman of Dogarawa Ward, Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, in which Bello communicated his decision to withdraw from the party “with immediate effect.”
“This is to let you know of my decision to withdraw my membership of the APC with immediate effect,” Bello wrote in the formal communication to party leadership. “I wish to place on record, my appreciation for the mutually beneficial relationship that we have shared during my membership of the party.”
Professor Bello, popularly known by his traditional title Mainan Zazzau, is a seasoned academic and senior politician in Kaduna State. Prior to his recent resignation from the ruling party, he served in various capacities including Commissioner of Education and Commissioner of Communications within the Kaduna State Government. His role as the Director-General of Governor Uba Sani’s 2023 governorship campaign council was widely acknowledged as instrumental in the successful election strategy for the APC in the state.
Political analysts view Bello’s defection as a blow to the APC’s internal cohesion in Kaduna, especially as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify. His move to the ADC, a party that has recently sought to build a stronger opposition coalition in northern Nigeria, q reflects shifting alliances and growing momentum among opposition platforms.
Bello’s transition to the African Democratic Congress comes at a time when the political dynamics in Kaduna State are evolving. The ADC has been positioning itself as an alternative platform for politicians disenchanted with the leadership of the APC, particularly ahead of national and state polls. His decision to join the ADC underscores this trend and challenges the APC’s narrative of unity within its ranks.
Within the resignation letter, Bello also included a formal closing of appreciation for his former party’s leadership and the opportunities afforded to him during his tenure, emphasising that his departure was taken after thoughtful consideration of his political future.
Observers say that this high-profile defection could have ripple effects, particularly in Kaduna’s strategic political environment, where the 2027 elections are expected to be highly competitive. The move may embolden others who are contemplating similar shifts in party allegiance, potentially reshaping the state’s political alliances well before the next electoral cycle.
