Senator Marafa Decamps To NDC From ADC, Hinges Numerous Court Cases In ADC

By Lawrence Mpama

In less than one month after joining ADC, former lawmaker representing Zamfara Central Senatorial District of Zamfara state, Senator Kabir Garba Marafa, has move again to another party NDC,  hinging on numerous litigation within and against the ADC, which according to him may hinder or scuttle his political aspirations. He formally defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, on tuesday alongside his teaming supporters, admirers and friends.

Marafa, who served in the Senate from 2011 to 2019, was received by the National Leader of the NDC and Senator for Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, at Dickson’s residence in Abuja. Also present at the reception was the NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, alongside other party stakeholders.

His decamping to NDC comes barely three weeks after the Senator joined the African Democratic Congress, ADC, after he had earlier resigned his membership of the All-Progressives Congress, APC,   citing internal disputes within the ruling party.

The Senator who Spoke to journalists shortly after receiving his NDC membership card, stated that his defection from the ADC was prompted by concerns over numerous court cases pending  which may hinder his political aspirations given the limited time left before critical electoral deadlines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

“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?” Marafa asked.

He stressed that his decision was not out of malice towards the ADC. “I am not praying for bad things to happen to them because they are my friends and partners. We are together in this struggle. 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 heavy political party between now and maybe the maximum of May 9,” he said.

Marafa expressed doubt over the ADC’s ability to resolve its legal challenges before key dates for party primaries and candidate registration. “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 warned that prolonged legal battles could leave him and his supporters without a platform. “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.”

The former senator said the decision to move to the NDC followed wide consultations with his political base and legal experts. “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.”

Marafa pledged loyalty to the NDC’s leadership and internal processes. “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, Senator Dickson described Marafa as a seasoned politician whose entry would strengthen the NDC, particularly in Zamfara State and the wider North-West geopolitical zone. He charged Marafa to leverage his grassroots network to mobilise support and help address insecurity in the region.

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

Also speaking, NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, said the party is anchored on a people-oriented agenda centred on inclusion, service delivery, and national renewal. He noted that the NDC is positioning itself as a credible alternative platform for women, youths, and persons with disabilities as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Senator Marafa’s decamping is seen as a boost to the NDC’s efforts to expand its presence in the North-West, a region considered crucial in national elections.