Senator Saidu Dansadau
Saidu Muhammed Dansadau was born on June 20, 1953, in Nigeria. He pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education and later obtaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration. His early career was rooted in education, where he worked as an educationalist, shaping minds and fostering knowledge. Beyond academia, Dansadau developed a passion for agriculture, starting as a medium-scale farmer in 1977 and gradually expanding into large-scale farming, a commitment he upheld throughout his career.
Dansadau’s political journey began in the Second Nigerian Republic when he served as the Sokoto State Secretary of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) from 1981 to 1983. His dedication to governance and public service saw him elected as a Senator for Zamfara Central in 1999 under the All People’s Party (APP). He was reelected in 2003 under the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), serving two terms in the Nigerian Senate.
During his tenure, he held key committee positions, including Public Accounts, Health, Labour, Commerce (as chairman), National Planning, and Internal Affairs. As Secretary-General of the Northern Senators’ Forum, he played an instrumental role in championing the interests of Northern Nigeria.
Dansadau was known for his unwavering stance on accountability and transparency. In March 2005, he boldly called for the resignation of Senate President Chief Adolphus Wabara over his involvement in a bribery scandal, a move that ultimately led to Wabara stepping down. He was also a vocal opponent of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s bid for a third term, warning of potential national disintegration if the constitutional amendment to allow it succeeded.
After leaving the Senate in 2007, Dansadau stepped away from partisan politics, formally resigning from the ANPP in 2008. He shifted his focus to agriculture, becoming a key promoter of the Maslaha Seed Firm in Gusau, Zamfara State, where he contributed to advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
In 2010, he was appointed Chairman of the 12-person Committee on Repositioning Land Administration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). His committee was tasked with investigating land allocations from 2007 onward to curb forgery, multiple allocations, and corruption in land administration. Dansadau’s leadership revealed significant irregularities, including the misallocation of over 18,000 plots, and he strongly advocated for reforms in the system.
Saidu Muhammed Dansadau’s career is defined by his integrity, fearless advocacy for good governance, and commitment to national development. Whether in education, agriculture, or politics, he has consistently worked to improve Nigeria’s institutions and safeguard public resources. His legacy continues to inspire future generations in the pursuit of transparency, accountability, and sustainable development.