Ex-Zamfara senator Marafa dumps ADC for NDC three weeks after defection

Former lawmaker representing Zamfara Central Senatorial District, Kabir Marafa, on Tuesday, defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, marking his second party switch in less than a month.

Marafa, who served in the Senate between 2011 and 2019, was received alongside his supporters by the National Leader of the party, Senator Seriake Dickson, at his residence in Abuja.

The development comes barely three weeks after the former lawmaker defected to the African Democratic Congress on April 8, 2026, following his resignation from the All Progressives Congress on August 28, 2025.

Addressing journalists after receiving the NDC membership card, Marafa explained that concerns over internal litigation within the ADC and the limited timeframe before critical electoral deadlines forced his decision to leave the party.

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

“I am not praying for bad things to happen to them because they are my friends and partners. We are together in this struggle. 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 heavy political party between now and maybe the maximum of May 9.

“Now, how many court cases are we waiting for to determine the fate of the ADC? Let us be honest and fair to ourselves. We are waiting for the Supreme Court to decide, knowing that 50 per cent may be in favour and another 50 per cent may bring fresh litigation.”

The Zamfara politician questioned what would happen if pending litigations dragged on, noting that delays could leave him and his supporters stranded without a platform by the time registration deadlines close.

“If those things happen, where are we going to start from? By the time the registration closes, what will I tell my people? That I waited in the ADC hoping that they would reach a favourable resolution, which is not even in their hands.

“This is the major reason I met with my people to brainstorm and engaged high-quality lawyers to study the whole scenario and counsel us. It was their advice that made me and my supporters join the NDC.
So, whatever decision my new party, the NDC takes in terms of adopting its presidential candidate when the time comes, we will abide by it,” he said.

In his remarks, Dickson welcomed the former senator into the fold, describing him as a seasoned politician whose entry would boost the party’s strength, particularly in Zamfara and the North-West.

He also charged Marafa to deploy his experience in mobilising grassroots support and addressing pressing challenges in the region, especially insecurity.

“I welcome and recognise the eminent delegation you came with. Marafa is a big elephant because he is from the Savannah part of Nigeria.

“This is not just about joining a political party; it is about commitment to service, leadership, and delivering results for the people.

“The NDC is a party for all, including the less privileged and those who are hungry and insecure. That is why our motto is service to the people,” Dickson said.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the party, Senator Moses Cleopas, said the NDC is built on a people-oriented agenda focused on inclusion, service delivery, and national renewal.

He added that the party seeks to provide a credible alternative platform, particularly for women, youths, and persons with disabilities, as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle.