Muhammad Bello, popularly known as Mainan Zazzau, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), delivering a fresh blow to the opposition party just days after it announced the resolution of its internal conflicts. Bello, a prominent governorship aspirant in Kaduna State, submitted his resignation letter on July 21, addressing it to the chairman of his ward in Sabon Gari. The letter was received by the ward leadership, though Bello did not provide any reason for his departure.
Failed Governorship Bid and Political Shifts
Bello's resignation follows his unsuccessful attempt to secure the ADC's governorship ticket for the 2027 general elections. The ticket was won by Isa Ashiru, who is now the party's candidate. Bello is no stranger to political realignments; he was once a close ally of former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai before switching allegiance to support the current governor, Uba Sani. Governor Sani appointed Bello as Commissioner for Education, a role he held for just over a year before resigning.
After his resignation from the cabinet, Bello returned to El-Rufai's political network and joined the ADC ahead of the 2027 cycle. According to Premium Times, he sought the governorship ticket but fell short, leading to his current exit.
Timing Raises Questions Over Party Cohesion
The timing of Bello's exit is particularly awkward for the Kaduna ADC. Just this week, governorship candidate Ashiru publicly declared that the party's competing factions had settled their differences after prolonged infighting. Ashiru framed the reconciliation as a major step forward in the party's preparations to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, as reported by Vanguard. With one of its most prominent aspirants now walking away, the ADC faces renewed scrutiny over whether its reconciliation effort is as solid as its leadership has claimed.
Broader Opposition Turmoil
This development is part of a wider pattern of political shifts within the opposition. Previously, Legit.ng reported that Salihu Mohammed Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the APC, stepped back from both his ADC membership and the broader opposition coalition. Lukman cited what he described as sustained hostile treatment from former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and his associates.
