A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Honourable Abraham Stephen Ajiya, has officially resigned from the opposition party and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing unresolved internal conflicts and a lack of political direction within the PDP.

Ajiya, who has been embroiled in a legal dispute with the PDP following a controversial North Central Vice-chairmanship election in which he was a candidate, announced his defection during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday. He said his decision followed extensive consultation and a desire to better serve the people of the FCT.

“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 stated.

The former PDP chieftain expressed deep dissatisfaction with the party’s internal democracy, recounting his experience during the North Central Zonal election in Jos.

According to him, the election process was manipulated by party leaders who pressured him to withdraw in favour of a less qualified candidate. His refusal led to further marginalisation.

“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 ruling APC,” he said.


“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.”

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Ajiya said his experiences in the PDP revealed a party lacking true purpose and vision, driven instead by personal interests. He described remaining in such an environment as futile.

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“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,” he explained.

He added that his move to the APC was not just strategic but motivated by the tangible developments currently underway in the FCT.

As an indigene of the territory, Ajiya said he was inspired by the visible impact of Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike and Christopher Maikalangu, Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

He praised the APC-led administration’s achievements, stating the FCT’s transformation under the current leadership is “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.

“Obviously, President 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