Ex-Zamfara senator Marafa dumps ADC for NDC three weeks after defection

The political landscape in Nigeria continues to be a dynamic arena, with prominent figures like former Senator Kabir Marafa making swift party switches. This latest move, his second in less than a month, highlights the complex calculations and strategic maneuvering that define Nigerian politics.

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The essence of joining a political party is to give you an opportunity to contest and serve your people. If I ask you, what are the chances of the ADC seeing the light of day?

Marafa's decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is rooted in practical electoral considerations. As he articulated, the primary goal of joining a political party is to secure a platform for contesting elections and serving the people. The specter of internal litigation within the ADC and the looming electoral deadlines presented a significant hurdle, prompting his pragmatic shift.

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Now, how many court cases are we waiting for to determine the fate of the ADC? Let us be honest and fair to ourselves. We are waiting for the Supreme Court to decide, knowing that 50 per cent may be in favour and another 50 per cent may bring fresh litigation.

From a Nigerian perspective, such defections are not uncommon and often reflect a deep-seated pragmatism among politicians. The emphasis is on viability and the ability to contest elections, rather than strict ideological adherence. Marafa's concern about the ADC's future, given the pending court cases, underscores the importance of party stability and legal clarity in the electoral process. The advice from legal experts and the need to provide a clear path forward for his supporters are crucial factors in these decisions.

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If those things happen, where are we going to start from? By the time the registration closes, what will I tell my people? That I waited in the ADC hoping that they would reach a favourable resolution, which is not even in their hands.

This situation also sheds light on the challenges faced by newer or smaller political parties in Nigeria. While they may offer alternative platforms, the reality of electoral deadlines and the potential for legal battles can make it difficult for them to gain traction. Marafa's move to the NDC, a party he believes offers a more stable and viable platform, reflects this ongoing political calculus.

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This is the major reason I met with my people to brainstorm and engaged high-quality lawyers to study the whole scenario and counsel us. It was their advice that made me and my supporters join the NDC. So, whatever decision my new party, the NDC takes in terms of adopting its presidential candidate when the time comes, we will abide by it.