Former Zamfara Central senator, Kabiru Marafa, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress, citing concerns over “political manipulation” within the All Progressives Congress.
Marafa’s move comes amid internal disputes within the ADC, following the derecognition of certain factional leaderships by the Independent National Electoral Commission after a March 12 appeal court ruling.
He had previously resigned from the APC in August 2025, accusing President Bola Tinubu of neglecting Zamfara State despite its support during the presidential election.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director-General of his media team, Mansur Haruna, Marafa described his switch to the ADC as a major political development, noting that his supporters and political structure had joined him in the new party.
“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 read.
The statement added that the decision followed a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held in Kaduna, where Marafa consulted “extensively” with political allies and supporters.
He urged residents of Zamfara State to rally behind the ADC, describing it as a credible platform for political transformation, accountability, and good governance.
Explaining his exit from the APC, Marafa highlighted concerns over internal party practices, including alleged attempts to exploit the National Identification Number (NIN) database for partisan political registration.
He confirmed that his resignation would follow due process to formally remove his name from the APC membership register and plans to return to his hometown to complete the formalities of joining the ADC, culminating in a major gathering of ADC supporters in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
The former senator also warned of “attempts” to create confusion and instability within opposition parties.