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The political landscape of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) shifted on Tuesday as Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya, a former stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), formally announced his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

At a press conference in Abuja, Ajiya explained that his decision was driven by what he called “bad and threatening experiences” in the PDP and his desire for a platform that values innovation, democracy, and genuine service to the people.

Opening his address, Ajiya said:

“It is with this sense of patriotism that I, Honourable Abraham Stephen Ajiya, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), am officially announcing the end to my membership of PDP and declaring for the APC in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”

He admitted that many would question why he abandoned the party he once served, but according to him, the PDP had offered little hope for younger politicians.

“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,” Ajiya said. “With bad and threatening experiences I had in the PDP, I am left with no choice but to seek a better platform where I am valued, where my ideas and sense of innovation can be put to practice to help build my region, which is presently backward in economic development.”

In a scathing critique of the PDP, the former chieftain argued that the party lacked the structures and vision that define a true democratic platform.

“What makes one political party different from another is the name, logo, members, operators, structures, level of organisation, and most importantly, the vision and relationship with the people. All of the above are in mature democracies, but taking a look at the PDP and some other party platforms, these things are lacking,” he declared.

Ajiya went further to recount in detail his ordeal during the PDP’s North Central zonal congress held in Jos, Plateau State, where he contested for the position of Vice Chairman.

“Recall that yours sincerely contested for the PDP Vice-chairman, North Central micro zones, in 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 before the main election. The event further turned into a mere formality when the Party Caucus and other leaders pressured me to step down for an unqualified candidate, which I refused,” he narrated.

According to him, attempts to seek justice within the party structure proved futile.

“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 the same day. A practice which is unheard of,” he said.

He admitted that he even considered approaching the courts but concluded that pursuing his political career on another platform was the wiser option.

“Gentlemen of the press, 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 explained.

He criticized what he described as “politics without vision and mission” across many opposition parties.

“Gentlemen of the Press, these are the kind of politics played in so many political parties without vision and mission, but mere self-serving. Consequently, my struggle with a non-committal political party like the PDP seems to be a waste of time, energy, and resources,” he said.

Ajiya praised the APC-led government and said the works being executed in the FCT inspired his choice.

“As an indigene of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, the ongoing good works being executed by the Hon. Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike, and my own brother Christopher Maikalangu the current Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) is a testament to the vision of a political party committed to ensure the people benefit from the dividend of democracy proclaimed by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration,” he said.

Describing the PDP’s internal politics as “ghetto politics,” Ajiya affirmed that his move to the APC was a necessary step to contribute to meaningful development.

“Today, I can announce to you that the PDP’s ghetto politics has left me with no choice. And 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,” he said.

He listed some of the reforms of the Tinubu administration that convinced him of the APC’s vision for the country.

“The ruling APC, we have seen, has assured the removal of fuel subsidy, it has also assured that the country has a new tax regime, the transformation of the nation’s Capital, 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 favor,” he stated.

The former PDP member concluded his declaration with a patriotic salute.

“Long live the APC, long live the FCT, long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thank you all.”