By Jane Salihu
The political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections intensified on Tuesday as former Zamfara Central senator, Kabiru Garba Marafa, officially defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with top party leaders describing his entry as a major boost to the party’s national structure.
Marafa was formally received at the NDC national headquarters in Abuja by the party’s national leadership, including former Bayelsa State governor and NDC leader, Seriake Dickson, and the party’s national chairman, Moses Cleopas.
Welcoming Marafa, Dickson said the NDC is positioning itself as a platform built on integrity, national unity, and inclusive governance, stressing that the party is open to leaders who share its vision for Nigeria’s renewal.
“This is a party for Nigerians , especially the youth, women, and those who feel left behind. Leaders like Marafa, who have stood for principles in public life, strengthen what we are building,” Dickson said.
He added that Marafa’s decision to join the party reflects a growing movement of politicians seeking a credible alternative platform ahead of the next election cycle.Political momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections gathered fresh pace on Tuesday as former Zamfara Central senator, Kabiru Garba Marafa, formally defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), declaring that the country urgently needs a political platform driven by values, integrity and national unity.
Marafa’s defection was announced at the NDC national headquarters in Abuja, where the party’s national leadership and supporters welcomed him, describing his entry as a major boost to the party’s growing political influence ahead of 2027.
Speaking at the event, former Bayelsa governor and NDC national leader, Seriake Dickson, said the party represents a new political direction for Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the current state of governance.
Dickson described the NDC as a platform built on principles and national development, adding that the party aims to unite Nigerians and restore the country’s lost glory.
“The Nigeria Democratic Congress is a party for the Nigerian people — especially the youth, women and those who feel left behind. It is a party that will unite Nigeria and take the country back to its golden years,” Dickson said.
He praised Marafa as a politician known for his courage and consistency, noting that his entry into the party reflects a growing national movement for political change.
- “This is a man coming to a house that reflects his principles and values. Leaders like him who have fought for integrity in public life will strengthen our mission,” Dickson added.
On his part, NDC national chairman, Moses Cleopas, described Marafa’s defection as a significant moment for the party, noting that the NDC is expanding as more Nigerians align with its ideology of service, unity, and national rebuilding.
“We are delighted to welcome a distinguished Nigerian like Marafa into our party. NDC is a home for those committed to rebuilding Nigeria on the foundation of fairness, justice, and opportunity for all citizens,” Cleopas said.
He further assured new members that the party remains committed to internal democracy and open participation, adding that its ongoing registration and mobilisation efforts are designed to accommodate Nigerians across all regions.
Responding, Marafa said his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was driven by consultations and the need for a stable platform ahead of 2027.
He said unresolved legal disputes within ADC raised concerns about the party’s future, making it difficult for serious political planning.
“Anybody who wants to contest elections must belong to a healthy political party. When you look at the litigations and uncertainties, we had to take a decision,” Marafa said.
The former senator insisted his move was not driven by personal ambition, but by the need to remain politically relevant and continue serving his supporters effectively.
Political observers say Marafa’s defection could significantly strengthen the NDC’s influence in the North-West, where he remains a major political figure, and further reshape alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
