Nigeria’s political landscape is witnessing the rise of a formidable new adversary in the form of Dan Bello. This outspoken activist has become a thorn in the side of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), their alleged corrupt practices with a vigor, panache and relentlessness that has left many in the political establishment scrambling for cover.
Dan Bello, a journalist and filmmaker known for his satirical videos, recently gained nationwide attention after his exposé on the Malta refinery allegedly linked to APC leaders. His claims, which accuse key figures of using the refinery to siphon off subsidy payments, sent shockwaves across social media, garnering over 20 million views. But it was not just the reach of his content that rattled the APC; it was the detailed evidence and the fearless manner in which he presented his accusations.
The APC’s response was swift and predictable—calls for Bello’s arrest rang out from party influencers and political appointees. However, instead of retreating, Bello doubled down. He released another video, this time focusing on Murtala Sule Garo, the former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in Kano State and a deputy governorship candidate under the APC.
Bello’s accusations against the commissioner are nothing short of explosive. He detailed how he allegedly imposed a mandatory monthly levy of ₦5 million on each of Kano’s 44 local governments, ostensibly for the purchase of diesel to treat water plants in the state. This would amount to ₦220 million monthly, which, according to Bello, the commssioner pocketed through two companies.
Dan Bello’s exposé has put the APC in a difficult position. The party, already grappling with accusations of widespread corruption, now faces the wrath of a public increasingly disillusioned by the impunity of its leaders. Bello’s videos have sparked renewed debates about corruption in Nigeria, particularly in the North, where poverty and underdevelopment remain rampant despite the wealth of the region.
The timing of these revelations is particularly significant. Just last month, the newly installed Kano State government dragged the commissioner to court over the alleged diversion of ₦24 billion in local government funds. While the case is still ongoing, Bello’s exposé has added fuel to the fire, forcing the APC to confront uncomfortable truths about the conduct of its members.
What makes Dan Bello such a formidable force is not just the content of his accusations, but his approach. He has skillfully used social media to bypass traditional media gatekeepers, ensuring that his message reaches a broad audience unfiltered. His videos are a mix of hard-hitting journalism and biting satire, a combination that resonates deeply with a population weary of the status quo.
Moreover, Bello’s fearless attitude in the face of threats has only endeared him further to the public. When APC influencers called for his arrest, Bello responded by asking a simple yet powerful question: who should be arrested—the whistleblower or the criminals? This rhetorical question has struck a chord with many Nigerians who see in Bello a rare voice of truth in a sea of deceit.
However, Bello’s crusade is not without risks. The APC has shown time and again that it is willing to use the full force of the state to silence dissent. The threats of arrest are not empty, and Bello’s life and freedom are undoubtedly in danger. Yet, his determination to continue exposing corruption suggests that he is prepared to face whatever consequences may come.
In a region where political dissent is often met with brutal repression, Dan Bello’s defiance is both inspiring and unprecedented. His work is a reminder that even in the most repressive environments, there are always individuals willing to stand up for justice, no matter the cost.
As Dan Bello continues to unearth the dirty secrets of Northern Nigeria’s political elite, one thing is clear: the APC has a new nemesis, and he is not going away anytime soon. Whether this will lead to a broader reckoning within the party remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Dan Bello has changed the game.
