The chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday, April 13.
In a statement issued by his senior special assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Kingsley Madaki, Maikalangu highlighted that AMAC residents were losing out on opportunities for federal jobs and appointments due to a lack of support for the ruling party.
Maikalangu expressed confidence that the APC would provide him with a better platform to achieve his goals and enhance the lives of AMAC citizens.
“It was important we took a position, and the position we took is for the good of our democracy and to ensure that the good people of AMAC move forward.
“My people must know that for me to have made this decision, I considered the general interests of AMAC residents. I was not elected to lead the entire Nigeria; I was elected to lead AMAC residents. I looked at the interests of my people, and I have seen that these interests were not protected in any other party than the APC.
“We are losing opportunities in terms of federal jobs and appointments; the benefits from the federal level, as well as federal interventions, are not reaching us because of party differences. This is often how politics works,” he said.
He pointed out that the community’s needs, particularly for ecological funding in deteriorating areas, may not receive immediate attention due to party affiliation.
“Let us keep emotions aside. The more they continue to deprive us of these jobs and opportunities, the more we will lose our wealth to grow and move forward,” he said.
The chairman also noted that other politicians had similarly transitioned, citing various reasons for their decisions.
He mentioned that Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, a former member of the House of Representatives in AMAC, joined the APC to contest the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, aiming to connect Anambra to the center (Abuja) and foster positive change and development.
Additionally, he referenced Dr Kingsley Kelachukwu Okoronkwo, who left the Labour Party for the APC due to the ongoing crisis and court litigation afflicting the Labour Party.
Maikalangu reiterated his belief that joining the APC would be beneficial for his political ambitions and the advancement of AMAC citizens.
“It is noteworthy that Hon. Gabriel Bravo Oluohu, an APC chieftain, encouraged me to make this move for the betterment of AMAC.
“While my decision may seem strategic for my political career, the underlying reason remains the overall good of my people,” he stated.
