By By Elizabeth Ugbo
A member of the Kano State House of Assembly, Abdulmajid Isa Umar Mai Rigar Fata, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abuja. The defection happened after a Federal High Court ruling nullified aspects of INEC’s election guidelines and amid rising political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso formally received the lawmaker on Thursday at his Maitama residence. The move has intensified discussions about possible defections across Nigeria’s political landscape.
ADC Welcomes Court Judgment on INEC Guidelines
Reacting to the judgment, Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), described the ruling as a validation of the party’s earlier concerns.
According to the ADC, the party had challenged sections of INEC’s guidelines when they were introduced, especially the timelines for membership registration and party primaries.
The party stated that the judgment confirmed its position that some provisions conflicted with the Constitution and electoral laws.
ADC also argued that the restrictions discouraged politicians from exploring alternative political platforms.
“The decision of the Court on these issues, including those that directly contradict the Constitution, is therefore a welcome vindication of our position.”
The party added that the ruling could encourage more politicians to leave the ruling APC in the coming months.
Court Rules Against INEC’s Timeline for Party Primaries
Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that INEC exceeded its powers by prescribing timelines for party primaries and other pre-election activities.
The court held that the Electoral Act, 2026, does not empower INEC to determine when political parties must conduct their primaries for candidate nominations ahead of the 2027 elections.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, was filed by the Youth Party against INEC.
The judgment has created fresh uncertainty around preparations for the next general elections.
Kano Assembly Member Dumps APC for NDC
The political developments gained momentum after Abdulmajid Isa Umar Mai Rigar Fata officially joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso welcomed the lawmaker and described the move as a major boost to the party’s grassroots structure in Kano State.
Mai Rigar Fata originally won election into the Assembly in 2023 under the New Nigeria Peoples Party before later aligning with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and moving to the APC.
Reports indicate that his latest defection followed his inability to secure the APC ticket for another Assembly bid.
Other Political Figures Join NDC
Other politicians who joined the NDC include:
- Kabiru Sani Auwal Obi, former Vice Chairman of Gwale Local Government
- Mahadi Isa Umar
Their arrival strengthens the party’s growing presence in Kano as parties reposition ahead of 2027.
Growing Pressure on APC Ahead of 2027
The court ruling and recent defections have increased political tension within the APC and across the opposition landscape.
Observers expect more political movement as parties reassess strategies and prepare for the next election cycle.
