El-Rufai's Ally Leaves Kaduna ADC After Party Reconciliation

A few days after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) revealed its leadership crisis resolutions in Kaduna State, one of its defeated governorship candidates, Muhammad Bello, also known as Mainan Zazzau, has left the party.

His resignation is a new blow for the opposition party, which had just celebrated the coming together of its rival groups under the leadership of its 2027 governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru. This was part of efforts to boost its chances against the ruling APC.

A resignation letter seen by PREMIUM TIMES shows that Mr Bello officially quit the ADC on 21 July. The letter was sent to the chairman of the party in Sabon Gari Ward and was accepted by the ward leadership.

Though Mr Bello did not explain why he left, his exit comes only months after he ran for the party’s governorship ticket, which went to Mr Ashiru.

A familiar political journey

Mr Bello has a history of political shifts in Kaduna.

He was a long-time supporter of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai before he switched sides to back Governor Uba Sani. He was appointed Commissioner for Education during this time.

However, after a little over a year in that position, he resigned from the government.

He later rejoined Mr El-Rufai’s political group and became a member of the ADC as the 2027 elections approached, where he aimed but failed to secure the party’s governorship ticket.

Fresh questions over ADC’s stability

Mr Bello’s exit comes at a crucial time for the Kaduna ADC.

Just this week, Mr Ashiru announced that the warring factions within the party had resolved their differences after months of fighting. He called the reconciliation a turning point for the party as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

With one of its notable governorship candidates now leaving, this resignation is likely to raise new worries about the party’s unity, despite the recent peace agreement.