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By Samuel Torlumun, Abuja
-Defection long awaited to strengthen APC in FCT -Jisalo
The Minister for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Hon. Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo, on Wednesday formally received the immediate past member representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Micah Yohanna Jiba, into the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a long-anticipated and welcome development for the party in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The press statement made available to Apex News Exclusive by Kingsley Madaki,
Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the AMAC Chairman, indicated that the reception ceremony held at the Apo Resettlement Town Hall, Abuja, drew party leaders, stakeholders and supporters from across the FCT. Jisalo, who is the leader of the APC in the FCT, said he had waited many years for the day Jiba would officially join the ruling party, noting that the defection was worth the wait.
Jiba, a former two-term Executive Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, citing persistent internal crises and disarray within the opposition party.
Speaking at the event, Jisalo expressed deep personal satisfaction over Jiba’s decision, recounting his own political journey and sacrifices since 1999. He said his resolve to remain in the APC, despite setbacks and challenges, was driven by a belief that the party had a greater purpose for him and others who would eventually join.
“Today, my heart is fulfilled. From 1999 to date, I have seen many things in politics. I made sacrifices to join the APC, even when some people I expected to receive me were not there. Yet, I was encouraged and stayed focused,” Jisalo said.
He recalled how former President Muhammadu Buhari personally encouraged him to join the APC, a decision he said strengthened his commitment to the party, even after losing a senatorial election.
“I used to tell myself that I was in APC to prepare a way for others. Even if the road was blocked, I was ready to accept them. That is why I am here today to receive my brother, Hon. Micah Yohanna Jiba. I promised I would receive him when the time was right, and that day is today,” he added.
Welcoming Jiba formally, Jisalo assured him of equal status and full integration within the party, stressing that there would be no discrimination against new entrants.
“Honourable Micah, you are welcome to APC. Today, you are like someone who formed the party or joined it years ago. We are all one. Together, we will work for the success of the APC, especially in the forthcoming area council elections. APC is going to win in the FCT,” he declared.
The minister further pledged his commitment to ensuring victory for APC candidates across the six area councils—AMAC, Bwari, Kuje, Abaji, Gwagwalada and Kwali—saying all necessary arrangements had been put in place.
“I will not leave any stone unturned. I am now in charge of ensuring that we deliver. I urge everyone to support our candidates and mobilise voters to vote APC at all levels—from councillorship and chairmanship to the National Assembly and our President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Jisalo said.
He assured party members of fairness and inclusiveness, adding that the APC remained open to more defectors.
Also speaking, the Chairman of AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, described Jiba’s defection as a wise and strategic decision, noting that politics is fundamentally driven by interests.
“Politics is all about interests. We have every reason to welcome my big brother, Micah Yohanna Jiba, into APC. He is an asset to this party, bringing a wealth of experience and supporters. With his support, APC will record a landslide victory in all elections in the FCT,” Maikalangu said.
In his remarks, the FCT APC Chairman, Hon. Abdulmalik Usman, said the party had long anticipated Jiba’s move and was pleased it finally materialised at a critical time.
“We are happy to have Micah Jiba in the APC, the greatest party in Africa. We expected this defection long ago, but we are glad it is happening now as we approach elections,” Usman stated.
Responding, Jiba said his decision to join the APC was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the growth and success of the party, stressing that there was no turning back.
“As you know, I left the PDP a few weeks ago because the party is in disarray. I cannot remain in a party plagued by numerous issues. Now that I am in the APC, there is no going back. I am here to work and to contribute my quota to the development and success of the party,” Jiba said.
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