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Ex-Zamfara Senator Marafa Joins NDC, Citing Court Cases Within ADC
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Former Senator representing Zamfara Central Senatorial District, Senator Kabir Garba Marafa, formally defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday, along with his supporters. This move marks his second party switch in under a month.
Senator Marafa, who served in the Senate from 2011 to 2019, was welcomed by the NDC National Leader and Senator for Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, at Dickson’s residence in Abuja. The NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, and other party stakeholders were also present.
The defection comes just three weeks after Marafa joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on 8th April 2026. He had previously resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on 28th August 2025, citing internal disputes within the ruling party.
Speaking to journalists shortly after receiving his NDC membership card, Marafa explained that his departure from the ADC was prompted by concerns over numerous ongoing legal challenges and the limited time remaining before critical electoral deadlines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The point of joining a political party is to provide an opportunity to contest and serve your people. If I were to ask you, what are the chances of the ADC succeeding?” Marafa questioned.
He stressed that his decision wasn’t motivated by ill will towards the ADC. “I’m not wishing them anything bad, as they are my friends and partners. We are united in this struggle. However, considering the number of legal cases pending and the limited time left, anyone intending to contest an election in Nigeria needs to be a member of a substantial political party by, at the latest, 9th May,” he said.
Marafa expressed doubt about the ADC’s ability to resolve its legal issues before key dates for party primaries and candidate registration. “How many court cases are we waiting for to determine the ADC’s fate? Let’s be honest and fair to ourselves. We’re awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court, knowing that the outcome could be evenly split, potentially leading to further litigation.”
He warned that prolonged legal battles could leave him and his supporters without a viable platform. “If that happens, where would we begin? By the time registration closes, what will I tell my people? That I waited in the ADC hoping for a favourable resolution, which isn’t even in their control?”
The former Senator said the decision to move to the NDC followed extensive consultations with his political base and legal advisors. “This is the main reason I met with my supporters to brainstorm and engaged experienced lawyers to assess the situation and advise us. Their advice led me and my supporters to join the NDC.”
Marafa pledged his loyalty to the NDC’s leadership and internal processes. “Therefore, whatever decision my new party, the NDC, takes regarding its presidential candidate when the time comes, we will respect it,” he said.
Senator Dickson described Marafa as a seasoned politician whose arrival would strengthen the NDC, particularly in Zamfara State and the wider North-West geopolitical zone. He urged Marafa to utilise his grassroots network to mobilise support and help address insecurity in the region.
“I welcome and recognise the distinguished delegation you’ve brought with you. Marafa is a significant figure, hailing from the Savannah region of Nigeria,” Dickson said. “This isn’t simply about joining a political party; it’s about a commitment to service, leadership, and delivering results for the people. The NDC is a party for everyone, including the less privileged and those who are hungry and insecure. That’s why our motto is service to the people.”
NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, added that the party is founded on a people-oriented agenda centred on inclusion, service delivery, and national renewal. He noted that the NDC is positioning itself as a credible alternative platform for women, young people, and people with disabilities as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 general election.
Marafa’s defection is considered a boost to the NDC’s efforts to expand its presence in the North-West, a region considered crucial in national elections.
President Bola Tinubu has asked the senate to approve a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The request was contained in a letter dated June 15, 2026, and read on the floor of the senate on Tuesday by Godswill Akpabio.
In the correspondence, Tinubu said the proposed Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the 1999 constitution to provide a legal framework for the creation of state police services.
The president said the bill is designed to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges by introducing a dual policing structure that would allow both federal and state policing systems to operate within a constitutional framework.
According to him, the proposal builds on previous legislative efforts by both chambers of the national assembly and contains additional safeguards to ensure effective implementation.
“This bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address our nation’s evolving national security challenges, will be achieved quickly and effectively to the benefit of all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
The president described the proposed legislation as a key component of his administration’s broader plan to reform Nigeria’s security system and improve the protection of lives and property.
“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganize Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens, and I’m confident that the Senate will act quickly to consider and pass this bill,” he added.
Read Also: Amnesty International Demands Immediate Release of Omoyele Sowore, Condemns Detention
Tinubu urged lawmakers to give the proposal expeditious consideration.
Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio referred the bill to the senate committee on constitution review for further legislative action.
The committee was directed to report back to the chamber on the next legislative day.
The Nigerian Senate has fixed Wednesday for the passage of the state police bill.
The lawmakers had cut short their recess to consider the bill, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution and decentralise Nigeria’s policing system in response to worsening security challenges
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday transmitted an executive version of the bill to the Senate through a letter dated June 15, 2026.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish a dual policing system in which federal and state police forces operate alongside each other.
At the plenary on Tuesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the proposal as a key step towards restructuring Nigeria’s security framework.
The proposed legislation was immediately referred to the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, which is expected to present its report for consideration and voting.
Akpabio called on senators to be present for the exercise, stressing the need for broad support to secure its passage.
“Every senator should endeavor to come tomorrow to be part of this exercise.
“We are going to be live tomorrow and your constituents will be seeing what you are doing,” he added.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has presented Certificates of Return to candidates who emerged victorious in the by-elections conducted on June 20, 2026, across Rivers, Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo and Kano States.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the electoral commission.
According to INEC, the certificates were presented on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, by the Supervising National Commissioner for Rivers State, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu.
Speaking during the presentation, Agbamuche-Mbu congratulated the successful candidates and urged them to prioritise the interests of the people they were elected to represent.
“The most important responsibility before you is to represent your constituents well,” Agbamuche-Mbu said.
The National Commissioner also reminded the winners of the expectations placed on them by voters and encouraged them to serve with diligence and commitment.
INEC further disclosed that Certificates of Return would also be presented to winners of other recently concluded elections, including the Zuru State Constituency election in Kebbi State and the governorship election in Ekiti State.
INEC said the presentation of the certificates followed the conclusion of the bye-elections conducted on June 20, 2026.
Tinubu Seeks Constitutional Backing For State Police, Writes Senate
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