This post has already been read at least 1111 times!

The political landscape of the North Central zone has witnessed a significant shift with the defection of Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya — a respected economist, political activist, and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) North Central Chairmanship Aspirant — to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His move, alongside over 3,000 PDP members including top Wuse Ward leaders, has not only bolstered the re-election prospects of Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), but also deepened the APC’s grassroots foothold ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The mass defection, which took place in Abuja, was marked by excitement and renewed political energy as APC leaders and supporters welcomed the new entrants with open arms. For many observers, the defection of such a large contingent — especially one anchored by politically experienced and intellectually grounded figures like Hon. Ajiya — signals a major turning point in the ongoing realignment of political forces in the North Central region.

A Grassroots Masterstroke for Maikalangu

Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu’s steady consolidation of political goodwill across AMAC has been evident since his emergence as council chairman. His performance, which many have described as pragmatic and people-oriented, has translated into tangible developmental projects and a renewed sense of hope in local governance.

The decampees, in their collective declaration of support, attributed their decision to Maikalangu’s visionary leadership, inclusive governance, and consistent delivery of infrastructural and social projects in AMAC communities. According to them, these achievements distinguish him as a model for effective public service and justify their desire to align with his political direction under the APC.

For Maikalangu, the inclusion of Hon. Ajiya and his political network is expected to strengthen his re-election bid come 2026. Ajiya’s reputation as a tactful grassroots mobiliser and political strategist, coupled with his experience in political economy, makes him an invaluable asset to the ruling party — not only in AMAC but across the North Central region.

Ajiya: The Economist-Activist with Political Depth

Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya is not new to the dynamics of power, governance, and development in Nigeria’s democratic space. A known political activist and policy advocate, Ajiya has over the years championed causes for economic reform, youth empowerment, and political accountability. His ability to connect with both the elite and grassroots levels of society has earned him a loyal following, particularly within the PDP’s old guard in the North Central zone.

His defection to the APC therefore represents more than just a political switch — it reflects a strategic recalibration of influence that could shape the contours of the 2027 electoral contest. As a bridge-builder and grassroots organiser, Ajiya’s entry into the APC’s fold is expected to energize the party’s mobilisation machinery, expand its ideological reach, and consolidate its hold on local structures across AMAC and beyond.

Deepening APC’s Roots in the North Central Zone

Political analysts believe that such mass defections, particularly of influential ward and community leaders, are capable of reshaping voting patterns and reconfiguring political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections. The move also demonstrates the increasing public confidence in the APC’s governance structure and its appeal to reform-minded politicians seeking relevance within the national mainstream.

The North Central geopolitical zone has remained one of Nigeria’s most politically fluid regions, often serving as a decisive battleground for national elections. With the defection of Ajiya and thousands of former PDP members, the APC appears to be tightening its grip on the zone’s political narrative.

Symbolism of the Wuse Ward Defections

The Wuse Ward, historically known as one of the PDP’s strongholds in Abuja, has now become a focal point for the APC’s expanding influence. The defection of key ward leaders such as Hon. Emma Daniel Asiri, Hon. Haggai Kaka, Hon. Isaiah Kaura, and Hajiya Fati marks a symbolic erosion of the PDP’s dominance and a significant political gain for the APC.

By rallying behind Maikalangu’s leadership and joining forces with a strategist like Ajiya, the new APC members are poised to reshape the council’s political structure and influence future elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Road to 2027: A Reinforced Political Bloc

As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 elections, the strategic implications of Ajiya’s defection cannot be overstated. His presence in the APC brings both intellectual weight and organisational strength to the ruling party’s campaign architecture. More importantly, it sends a strong signal to undecided political actors across the North Central zone that the APC remains a dynamic and accommodating platform for credible leadership.

For Maikalangu, this development not only enhances his political leverage but also reinforces his image as a unifying leader who attracts talent, loyalty, and support across party lines. His ability to inspire confidence among political actors is fast turning AMAC into a model of inclusive governance and grassroots-driven progress.

In conclusion, therefore, in the grand scheme of Nigeria’s evolving democratic equation, the defection of Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya and over 3,000 PDP members represents more than a shift in partisan loyalty — it is a realignment of vision, values, and political purpose. With the APC gaining such formidable figures and networks, the North Central zone is likely to witness a new phase of competitive but development-oriented politics.

As 2027 approaches, one thing is clear: with Maikalangu’s leadership and Ajiya’s mobilisation prowess, the APC’s strength in the North Central region may have just received its most significant boost yet.

Comrade James Ezema is a journalist, a political strategist and National President of the Association of Bloggers and Journalists Against Fake News (ABJFN). He writes from Abuja and can be reached via email: jamesezema@gmail.com or WhatsApp via: +234 8035823617

This post has already been read at least 1111 times!