A major political realignment is underway in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following the defection of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairman, Mr. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, and his supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This move, celebrated at a grand rally in Abuja, drew thousands of supporters and prominent APC leaders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio (represented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin), National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Maikalangu explained that his decision was driven by the need to improve development in AMAC and give his constituents better access to federal opportunities. He said that aligning with the party in power at the federal level would position the area for more growth.
“We joined the APC because we want progress. I came with my councillors, aides, and supporters—all of us want the same thing: development for our people,” Maikalangu said during the rally.
According to Abdulmalik Usman, APC Chairman in the FCT, Maikalangu did not defect alone. He was joined by over 30,000 PDP members from across the six area councils—Bwari, Kuje, Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada, and AMAC itself.
APC National Chairman Ganduje praised the development and declared that more than 60 percent of the FCT is now politically aligned with the APC.
“With the momentum we’ve gained, APC is set to win the FCT Senate seat, both House of Representatives seats, and all six area councils,” Ganduje stated.
He described Maikalangu as a political force and commended him for making a bold and strategic move.
Senate President Akpabio, through his representative, described the defection as a turning point for politics in Abuja. He praised the APC for opening its doors wide and said that this mass movement reflects the growing popularity of the party.
“This is a remarkable day for the APC. The number of new members joining us today shows that the FCT is ready for change. And that change is coming through the APC,” Jibrin said.
He urged members to remain united and support President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Akpabio emphasized the challenges Nigeria inherited and noted that the president is working tirelessly to address them.
“President Tinubu is committed to solving the issues we face—from infrastructure and security to economic reforms. These aren’t just local problems; they are global challenges. Yet, the president is focused on driving meaningful change,” he said.
Akpabio also reminded Nigerians to stay patient, saying that rebuilding a nation takes time. He encouraged citizens to trust the process and join hands to move the country forward.
Echoing this sentiment, Yahaya Bello assured party members that the APC remains strong and that Tinubu would be re-elected in 2027.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027. APC is the only platform that guarantees real progress,” Bello said confidently.
Minister of Special Duties, Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo, who hails from the FCT, thanked President Tinubu for his inclusion in the federal cabinet. He noted that his appointment marked the first time a Gbagyi indigene of Abuja had reached such a level in government.
“So, when someone shows you recognition like this, would you turn your back on him? Never,” Jisalo declared to loud cheers.
The event was a display of unity and strength, as APC officials from across the country came together to celebrate what many now see as a major victory in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
With Maikalangu now flying the APC flag, the party is expected to consolidate its grip on Abuja’s political landscape. The rally signaled a new chapter not only for AMAC but for the entire FCT, which appears to be leaning more towards the APC’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
For more: www.decode.ng
