Supporters of Kabir Garba Marafa in Zamfara State have been instructed to immediately defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), amid concerns that emerging electoral regulations could hinder the ADC’s participation in the 2027 general elections.
The directive was conveyed on Tuesday by Alhaji Surajo Garba Mai Katako, Chairman of the Marafa Supporters Group, who said he was acting on the senator’s instruction and urged followers to comply with urgency.
According to Mai Katako, registration with the NDC is now essential for active political participation, including attending meetings, voting in party primaries, and contesting for positions.
“Senator Kabir Garba Marafa is calling on all his supporters and well-meaning citizens of Zamfara State to urgently register with the NDC. Without registration, you cannot play any meaningful role within the party,” he stated.
He clarified that the move was not driven by hostility toward the ADC, noting that the party had not wronged Marafa or his supporters. However, he argued that the ADC is currently grappling with multiple challenges, which could be worsened by the implementation of a new Electoral Act.
Mai Katako alleged that the government may exploit provisions in the law to disqualify the ADC from contesting in the upcoming elections.
“They will use legal tactics, court cases, and technicalities to frustrate the party and possibly remove it from the ballot,” he claimed.
He further alleged that certain individuals, including Nafiu Bala, were being used as instruments to destabilize the ADC.
Using metaphorical language, Mai Katako likened the ADC to a “punctured boat,” urging supporters to move to what he described as the “safer and more stable” NDC.
“The NDC is free from legal battles and internal crises. It is a platform that offers us security and a better chance to contest and win,” he added.
He also conveyed assurances from Marafa that supporters who join the NDC would not be abandoned, promising collective struggle and victory.
Mai Katako called on members to mobilize widely across communities, encouraging family members, friends, and associates to register in large numbers.
The development comes shortly after Mai Katako himself resigned from the ADC, citing similar concerns. He had earlier left the All Progressives Congress (APC) in September 2025.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the ADC nor the NDC leadership in Zamfara State had issued an official response. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also not commented on the claims regarding the alleged use of the new electoral law to target specific political parties.
Marafa, a former senator representing Zamfara Central and a 2023 governorship aspirant under the APC, is yet to personally address the statement.
Editor: Zainab Shuaibu Abdullahi