Ajiya defects from PDP to APC over crises

From Idu Jude, Abuja

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, FCT, Honourable Abraham Stephen Ajiya, has defected from the party for the ruling APC, citing internal crises.

Recall that Hon. Ajiya has been in a legal battle with the party owing to the poor outcome of the PDP North Central Vice-chairmanship election which he was a candidate.

Ajiya, who made this known during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, said that he chose to join the party after due consultation and with a sense of responsibility to the people of FCT, and he decided to join the APC.

While throwing more light on his well-thought-out decision, he noted, “Many may ask reasons for the decision, but you and I know that my journey with the PDP as a party platform has not been cordial and promising for a young and upcoming politician like me.”

He said that with the bad and threatening experiences he had in the PDP, he is left with no choice but to seek a better platform where he is valued, where his ideas and sense of innovation can be put to practice to help build his region, which is presently backward in economic development.

“What makes one political party different from another is the name, logo, members, operators, structures, level of organisation, and reach. All of the above are in mature democracies, but with the most important thing missing – the platform.”

Further highlighting some of his reasons, he said, “It would be of great value to enlighten you about my ordeal in the PDP. And this forms the main reason for my departure from the PDP.”

“Yours sincerely contested for the PDP Vice-chairman, North Central micro zones to the FCT. The outcome of the election at Jos, the host city, was short of the practice of democracy as the election was predetermined by party leadership.”

“The event further turned into a mere formality when the Caucus and other leaders pressured me to step down for an unqualified candidate, which I refused. Afterwards, I sought the intervention of the appeal panel, but I never saw their meeting venue. I was later informed that the panel sat immediately after the election, the same day, and gave their verdict. A practice which is unheard of.”

“I later headed to seek redress at the ordinary court of law, but after due consultation, it became imperative to seek a new ground to further my political career.”

He informed that these are the kind of politics played in so many political parties without vision and mission, which are mere self-serving.

Consequently, he stressed that struggling with a non-committal political party like the PDP seems to be a waste of time, energy, and resources.

Meanwhile, Ajiya has revealed that part of his reasons to join the APC as an indigene of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, is to be part of the ongoing good works being executed by the Hon. Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike, and his own brother Christopher Maikalangu the current Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

He described the FCT transformation under the duo as a testament to the vision of a political party committed to ensuring the people benefit from the dividends of democracy proclaimed by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

“Today, I can announce to you that I have become a member of the APC, with a vision to make meaningful contributions and, add value to the good works the APC leadership is bringing to my people.”

“The ruling party, we have seen, has assured the removal of fuel subsidy; it has also assured that the country has a new tax regime, as well as the ongoing electoral reforms and review of the constitution for a greater Nigeria.

“President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has shown that he is a fearless, great politician, who has the political will to stand on his promises without fear or favour. I welcome you all on board as we take Nigeria to greater heights,” he said.