A former senator representing Zamfara Central, Kabiru Marafa, has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing concerns over alleged political manipulation within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Marafa’s move comes at a time the ADC is grappling with internal disputes following the derecognition of some factional leaderships by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after a March 12 Court of Appeal judgment.
The former lawmaker had earlier resigned from the APC in August 2025, accusing President Bola Tinubu of neglecting Zamfara State despite the support he received from the state during the presidential election.
Confirming his defection in a statement issued Thursday by his media team, Marafa described his decision to join the ADC as a major political step, noting that his political structure and supporters had moved with him.
“After careful deliberations and consideration of the future direction of the political movement, Senator Marafa formally declared his decision to align with the African Democratic Congress,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the decision followed a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held in Kaduna, where the former senator said he held extensive consultations with political allies and supporters.
Marafa called on the people of Zamfara State to rally behind the ADC, describing the party as a credible platform for transformation, accountability, and good governance.
“He called on the good people of the state to massively register with the ADC and support the party,” the statement added.
Explaining his exit from the APC, Marafa pointed to what he described as internal irregularities within the party, including alleged attempts to manipulate political processes.
“The Senator confirmed his decision to resign from the APC, citing growing concerns over political manipulations, including alleged attempts to exploit the National Identification Number (NIN) database for partisan political registration,” the statement said.
He disclosed that he would complete the formalities of his resignation from the APC in his hometown, after which he would secure his membership of the ADC.
The former senator also announced plans for a major gathering of ADC supporters in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, as part of efforts to consolidate his new political base.
Marafa further expressed concern over developments within opposition parties, warning of what he described as attempts to create confusion and instability within their ranks.
