Ex-Zamfara Senator Marafa Dumps ADC for NDC, Cites Legal Uncertainties

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Former senator representing Zamfara Central, Kabir Garba Marafa, has defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing unresolved legal issues within his former party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Marafa, who served in the Senate between 2011 and 2019, was formally received into the NDC on Tuesday in Abuja by the party’s National Leader and senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson. The National Chairman of the party, Moses Cleopas, and other stakeholders were also present at the meeting.

His latest move comes less than a month after he joined the ADC on April 8, 2026, and months after he exited the All Progressives Congress (APC) in August 2025 over internal disagreements.

Speaking after receiving his membership card, Marafa said concerns over pending court cases and looming electoral timelines forced him to reconsider his position in the ADC.

“The essence of joining a political party is to give you an opportunity to contest and serve your people. If I may ask you, what are the chances of the ADC seeing the light of day?” he said.

He explained that while he holds no ill will against the ADC, the volume of litigation surrounding the party raises uncertainty about its ability to meet key deadlines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“I am not praying for bad things to happen to them because they are my friends and partners. But when you look at the array of litigations coming up and the limited time left, anybody desirous of contesting any election in Nigeria must be a member of a strong political party,” he added.

Marafa expressed worry that prolonged legal battles, including pending decisions at the Supreme Court, could leave aspirants stranded ahead of party primaries and candidate submissions.

“By the time the registration closes, what will I tell my people? That I waited in the ADC hoping for a favourable resolution which is not even in their hands,” he said.

The former lawmaker disclosed that his decision followed consultations with political associates and legal advisers who reviewed the situation and recommended a shift.

“It was after wide consultations and advice from lawyers that we decided to move to the NDC,” he said.

He also pledged loyalty to his new platform, noting that he and his supporters would abide by decisions taken by the party, including the eventual selection of its presidential candidate.

Responding, Dickson described Marafa’s defection as a significant addition to the party’s growing influence, particularly in the North-West.

“I welcome and recognise the eminent delegation you came with. Marafa is a big elephant because he is from the Savannah part of Nigeria,” he said, urging the former senator to deploy his grassroots network to strengthen the party and contribute to addressing insecurity in the region.

On his part, Cleopas said the NDC is positioning itself as a credible alternative platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, with a focus on inclusiveness and service delivery.

He noted that the party is opening its doors to youths, women and other groups seeking a more responsive political platform.

Marafa’s defection is expected to bolster the NDC’s presence in the North-West, a region widely regarded as critical in national electoral calculations, especially as political alignments intensify ahead of the next general election.