Former Senator Kabiru Marafa Abandons ADC For Nigeria Democratic Congress Amid Party Legal Uncertainty

Former Senator Kabiru Marafa defects to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, citing legal instability within the ADC. Learn why he moved after just three weeks.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 3:40 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Naija News

A Swift Exit From Legal Instability

The political trajectory of former Senator Kabiru Marafa took a decisive turn on Tuesday as he officially resigned from the African Democratic Congress. This departure marks his second major party shift in a short period, following his exit from the All Progressives Congress in August 2025 and a brief three week tenure with the ADC that began on April 8, 2026. Addressing a gathering of political leaders in Abuja, Marafa explained that the persistent legal challenges facing the ADC made it an untenable platform for long term electoral planning. The former lawmaker emphasized that the uncertainty surrounding the party’s court cases posed a significant risk to his supporters' ability to participate in upcoming polls.

Navigating Crucial Registration Deadlines

Marafa’s decision to transition to the Nigeria Democratic Congress was driven by a pragmatic assessment of the electoral calendar. He noted that the closing of party registration is approaching rapidly, leaving little room for error or administrative delays. According to Marafa, any candidate harboring serious electoral ambitions must belong to a stable and legally sound political structure well before these deadlines. He expressed concern that the ADC’s ongoing litigation could potentially leave his faction without a recognized party structure at a critical moment, a risk he was no longer willing to tolerate after consulting with various legal experts.

High Level Reception In The Nation’s Capital

The defection was formalized during a ceremony where Marafa was received by the top hierarchy of the NDC. Among those present to welcome him were former Bayelsa Governor and party leader Seriake Dickson, party chairman Moses Cleopas, and national women leader Dudu Manuga. Marafa was accompanied by a significant contingent of loyalists, signaling a substantial transfer of political capital from his previous affiliation to the NDC. During the proceedings, the former Senator pledged that he and his followers would strictly adhere to the party’s eventual decisions regarding its presidential candidate and broader strategic goals.