Former lawmaker representing Zamfara Central Senatorial District, Kabir Marafa, on Tuesday defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), 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 about three weeks after the former lawmaker joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on April 8, 2026, following his resignation from the All Progressives Congress on August 28, 2025.
Speaking to journalists after receiving his NDC membership card, Marafa said internal disputes within the ADC and time constraints ahead of electoral deadlines influenced 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.”
He added that prolonged legal disputes could leave him and his supporters without a political platform before the closure of registration.
“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 Marafa and described him as a valuable addition to the party.
“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.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas, said the party is focused on inclusion and national renewal.
He said the party aims to provide a platform for women, youths, and persons with disabilities as political activities intensify ahead of the next election cycle.
