The recent article entitled “Kaduna: Wave Of Resignations From Govt Raises Fresh Issues For 2027” sensationalises what are, in fact, routine political developments common in every thriving democracy whether in Kaduna State , Kwara State, or Abuja. The truth is that Professor Mohammed Sani Bello didn’t resign, but was relieved of his position. The deliberate falsehoods and attempts at describing it as resignation can’t fly in the face of the truth.
Ordinarily, the overwhelming success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recent by-elections should have rendered this rejoinder unnecessary. However, since politics is often shaped by perception, there is always the danger that unreplied misinformation may become accepted as the truth or the silence taken as agreement.
This response seeks to correct the false narrative, question the assumptions underpinning the original article, and ensure that the public is not misled.
The article draws a flawed conclusion by suggesting that recent “resignations” by some “high-profile” appointees most notably Professor Muhammad Sani Bello (Mainan Zazzau) and Umar Hassan Waziri signal instability and internal crisis within the administration of Governor Uba Sani. The article even goes as far as implying that these departures “would” endanger the governor’s 2027 re-election prospects. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The media must not be complicit in amplifying internal political drama as crisis and they have a responsibility to balance reporting. These terminations of appointments which the writer mischievously termed resignations are being exaggerated to distract attention from the governor’s solid governance record something Governor Sani, wisely, refuses to dignify with reactionary politics.
Assuming but not conceding that they actually reigned, if we are to treat political resignations as catastrophic events, then the United States a global democracy should have long collapsed. In 2021, over a dozen senior administration officials of Donald Trump resigned in the wake of the Capitol riot. Similarly, in President Joe Biden’s first two years, top figures such as Ron Klain, Marty Walsh, and Jen Psaki stepped down.
Even during Barack Obama’s tenure, his Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel, resigned to pursue other ambitions without triggering any hysteria.
The reality is that resignation and termination of appointments are normal, and sometimes necessary, as part of a dynamic political system. In fact, Nigerians have long demanded that public officials who are not delivering are asked to step aside when necessary. So why the sensationalism over the termination of appointments of appointees that were found wanting in Kaduna State?
Before discussing the implications of Professor Sani Bello’s exit, we must ask a simple question: What is his actual political strength?Is his political strength not over exaggerated?
Professor Sani Bello has never won an election. He was just a Director-General of the campaign organization, a largely administrative position. He has no known grassroots movement and his influence is largely ceremonial at best. While the title “Mainan Zazzau” is culturally significant, it does not in any way translate into any political capital. If he is honest with himself,he would tell the world that Governor Uba Sani himself masterminded his 2023 electoral victory.
Professor Bello’s purported resignation might have generated noise in some circles, but as we have seen it has no impact in the real political battlegrounds like Sabon Gari or Zaria Kewaye. Suggesting otherwise would be pure political propaganda.
More curiously, the article failed to explore the possibility that Professor Bello was asked to go due to his inability to manage the Ministry of Information that he was redeployed to. Governor Sani, a consensus-builder by nature, had initially chosen to redeploy him rather than dismiss him even after concrete evidence of him fraternizing with opposition elements. What finally broke the camel’s back was not his questionable loyalty,but lack of capacity.
The timing of the article could not have been worse for Professor Bello. It came just days after the APC’s sweeping victories in three by-elections, including in constituencies previously considered difficult terrain for the party due to religious and political labeling.
Despite defections by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his allies, the APC triumphed in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Basawa, and Zaria Kewaye State Constituencies. These results only affirm the strength and coherence of the party under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership.
Governor Uba Sani was underrated by the opposition because his quiet, focused leadership is simply not designed for drama. As a senator, he chaired the Senate Committee on Banking, Finance, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions leading with distinction and producing landmark legislations. He is one of the few senators that late President Muhamadu Buhari assented his bills into laws.
On security, Governor Sani has treated the issue with the seriousness it deserves, promoting community policing as a tool to restore stability and protect lives, as a senator and governor.
He has also overcome the heavy debt burden left by the previous administration navigating landmines from Day One to continue delivering essential services and capital projects.
Many had dismissed Governor Sani’s chances in 2023 following APC’s poor performance in the presidential and National Assembly elections in Kaduna State. But he won and secured a majority in the House of Assembly. That’s not luck; that’s political skill.
The recent by-elections further cement his reputation. The APC’s clean sweep deflated the myth of El-Rufai’s political dominance, exposing the former governor’s exaggerated influence in Kaduna state politics with former allies now masterminding his defeat.
The ruling APC has every reason to say, with confidence, that defections,or purported resignations or terminations of appointments have had little to no impact on its strength.
Governor Sani’s governance record speaks for itself with over 827 kilometers of rural and urban roads constructed, numerous primary healthcare centers rehabilitated, vocational training schools constructed for training of youths in various skills,Financial inclusion programmes for the poor, and the deliberate engagement with Southern Kaduna, once an opposition stronghold. These are not just talking points,but facts. And as the saying goes, facts don’t lie.
Professor Sani Bello has long aspired to be governor. Now that Governor Sani has sacked him from his cabinet, 2027 presents a clear opportunity for him to run. If, as some claim, he “made Uba Sani governor” in 2023, then perhaps he should now test his own popularity at the ballot box and make himself a governor.
But let’s be clear: he is not a kingmaker, and his exit from the governors camp carries no political weight.
Governor Uba Sani has proven that performance matters more than media noise. He must now continue doing what he does best delivering results, building unity, and staying above petty distractions.
Kaduna is watching. And so is Nigeria.
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