GUSAU, ZAMFARA — In a major shake-up to the political landscape of Northwest Nigeria, Senator Kabiru Marafa, the former coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima 2023 Presidential Campaign in Zamfara State, has officially dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The defection, which was finalized on Thursday, April 9, 2026, marks a significant blow to the ruling party in Zamfara as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
A Calculated Exit
Marafa’s departure follows a two-day strategic caucus meeting held in Kaduna, where his political associates and supporters unanimously voted to adopt the ADC as their new platform. The move comes after months of public friction between the Senator and the APC leadership.
In late 2025, Marafa famously criticized President Bola Tinubu, accusing the administration of “use-and-dump” tactics and neglecting the political interests of Zamfara State despite its heavy contribution to the president’s 2023 victory. He cited “political manipulation” and a lack of transparency within the APC as the primary reasons for his exit.
ADC Gains Momentum
The Zamfara State chapter of the ADC has hailed the defection as a “momentous development.” State Publicity Secretary, Abdulkarim Umar Lihidda, noted that Marafa’s entry would provide the party with the “unity and strength” needed to challenge for power in the state.
Marafa is not the first heavyweight to make this transition; his move mirrors that of former APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who also recently joined the ADC, signaling a growing realignment of Northern political forces.
What’s Next?
Senator Marafa has instructed his supporters across all 14 local government areas in Zamfara to begin immediate registration with the ADC. He is expected to lead a formal “welcome rally” in Gusau, the state capital, following the official resignation of his APC membership in his home ward.
Political analysts suggest that Marafa’s exit could trigger a wave of further defections, potentially weakening the APC’s grip on a state already grappling with intense internal factionalism.
