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Alhaji Mohammed Ajia Ibrahim, PhD, the Dan Amanan Fune Emirate of Yobe State and Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item in Abia State, has formally announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that his decision is rooted in conscience, patriotism and a deep sense of national duty rather than personal political ambition.

Ajia made his position known in a press statement he personally signed and released to journalists on Monday, explaining that his decision followed months of intense reflection, extensive consultations across political and social divides, and a thorough assessment of Nigeria’s prevailing political and security environment.

According to him, his journey into public service and political participation has always been influenced by his personal background and early life experiences. He recounted growing up in a humble household where his parents worked tirelessly to provide for the family, an experience he said deeply shaped his outlook on life and instilled in him a commitment to improving the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

Ajia stated, “I took a firm decision from an early age to do whatever is within my powers to make life more meaningful for as many people as I can. That has remained my guiding principle in life, and it has shaped my involvement in business and politics.”

The prominent traditional title holder noted that after carefully evaluating different political platforms in the country, he arrived at the conclusion that the APC presently offers him the most viable and practical avenue to contribute meaningfully toward safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and stability. He emphasized that his decision comes at a critical time when the country continues to battle insurgency, banditry and various forms of organized criminality that threaten national cohesion and development.

Ajia singled out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for special commendation, particularly over the appointment of General Christopher Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff and his subsequent appointment as Minister of Defence. He described the move as a clear and reassuring indication that the current administration is determined to confront Nigeria’s security challenges with seriousness and professionalism.

He expressed confidence in General Musa’s capacity, describing him as a disciplined and professional military officer whose approach to combating insurgency and criminality is devoid of sentiment and sectional bias. Ajia added that the appointment significantly reinforced his confidence in the Federal Government’s resolve to tackle insecurity across the country.

Drawing from his personal and professional experience, Ajia maintained that his understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges is grounded in practical engagement rather than theoretical analysis. He observed that the escalation of violent crimes in several parts of the country is largely the result of prolonged neglect, systemic manipulation and deep-rooted socio-economic hardships that have pushed many young people toward criminal activities and violent extremism.

He stressed that addressing insecurity in Nigeria requires a comprehensive and balanced strategy that combines strong professional leadership at the national level with deliberate and meaningful engagement at the grassroots, particularly among the youth population who are often most vulnerable to recruitment into violent groups.

“I believe strongly that without engaging the younger generation with understanding and compassion, Nigeria cannot defeat insecurity,” Ajia stated.

The new APC member was also emphatic in clarifying that his decision to join the ruling party is not driven by any desire to contest elective office or secure political appointments. He disclosed that since his voluntary resignation from the Nigeria Police Force in 2017, he has deliberately refrained from accepting government appointments, choosing instead to serve the nation through private initiatives and community-based engagements.

Ajia reaffirmed his commitment to supporting ongoing national efforts to combat insurgency and criminality, pledging to deploy his extensive knowledge of Nigeria’s security terrain, his professional background and his strong grassroots network to complement existing government strategies.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria’s current security challenges can be overcome if professional leadership at the top is harmonized with community-based intelligence, local engagement and sustained socio-economic interventions at the grassroots level.

Ajia maintained that his entry into the APC marks a new phase of his lifelong dedication to national service, insisting that his overriding concern remains the survival, unity and long-term stability of Nigeria rather than personal political advancement.