Former Senator for Zamfara West, Kabir Marafa, has defended his dramatic political shift from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), insisting the decision was driven by political uncertainty and survival strategy rather than personal ambition or financial gain.
Marafa’s move comes barely three weeks after joining the ADC, a development that has triggered widespread political debate over his frequent party realignments ahead of Nigeria’s next election cycle.
Speaking in an interview, he firmly rejected claims that he is a serial party defector, arguing that his political decisions have always been shaped by circumstance, principle, and consultation.
“I don’t think I am qualified as somebody that moves from one party to another,” he said.
Tracing his political background, Marafa said he began his career in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where he held multiple roles, including serving as commissioner in Zamfara State. He explained that his early political journey was shaped by shifting alliances and evolving party structures.
On his latest exit from ADC, Marafa said internal uncertainty within the party made continued membership risky for any serious political contender.
“The essence of joining a political party is to give you the opportunity to contest and serve your people,” he said. “How many court cases are we waiting for to determine the health of ADC? Let us be honest and fair to ourselves.”
He warned that ongoing litigation and leadership disputes within the ADC raised serious doubts about its stability and readiness for elections.
“There is probability of it scaling through, and there is also probability of it sinking,” he said. “What do you do under that circumstance?”
Marafa said the decision to move was taken after consultations with legal and political advisers, who reviewed the party’s internal challenges and electoral risks.
He maintained that his alignment with the NDC coalition was part of a broader strategy to operate within a more stable and “unencumbered political platform” ahead of future elections.
“We are not leaving because we were denied anything,” he said. “We have not even reached the table where food is served.”
Responding to criticism that he lacks political consistency, Marafa said defections are often misunderstood, stressing that not all political exits are driven by personal gain.
“Some people jump ship for personal benefits, but others are forced by circumstances,” he said.
He further argued that unresolved party crises, legal battles, and internal fragmentation made ADC unsuitable for serious electoral preparation.
“Out of ten people I consulted, at least seven told me: leave ADC now,” he added.
Marafa concluded that his move to the NDC was a calculated decision to avoid political instability and position himself within what he described as a more cohesive and strategic coalition.
The defection has already sparked reactions across political circles in the North-West, where Marafa remains a significant figure with strong grassroots influence, and is expected to reshape emerging alignments ahead of the next general election
