Marafa Dumps ADC for NDC — His Second Party Switch in Less Than a Month

Former Senator Kabiru Marafa has left the African Democratic Congress and formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) — his second party switch in under a month, and a sign of just how unsettled Nigeria’s opposition landscape is ahead of 2027.

Marafa was received into the NDC on Tuesday at the Abuja residence of Senator Seriake Dickson. His defection comes barely three weeks after he urged his Zamfara supporters to begin a registration drive in the ADC following his own defection from the APC.

What He Said

“Politics is about inclusion, appreciation, and participation. Only when you are given the opportunity can you truly serve your people,” Marafa said during the formal reception.

He framed the move as principled rather than opportunistic — citing concerns about internal democracy, the distribution of political appointments, and what he described as a lack of commensurate recognition for Zamfara’s contributions to the APC’s 2015 electoral victory. He specifically mentioned disparities in ministerial positions as a source of grievance.

“My defection was not driven by personal ambition but by the need to align with a platform that reflects my principles of fairness, inclusion, and collective participation,” he said.

The Bigger Picture

Marafa served as senator for Zamfara Central in the 7th and 8th National Assembly and is a former APC stalwart. His rapid transit through parties — APC to ADC to NDC in weeks — reflects the wider instability gripping opposition politics as the 2027 cycle approaches. The ADC itself is currently fighting for its survival at the Supreme Court, waiting on a judgment that could determine whether the party can even field candidates next year.

Sources: Vanguard, Legit.ng, Kano Times