Abuja Municipal Chairman Defects from PDP to APC
Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, the chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday, April 13.
In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Kingsley Madaki, Maikalangu explained that the move was driven by concerns that AMAC residents were being left out of crucial federal job opportunities and appointments due to a lack of support for the ruling party.
Maikalangu expressed confidence that joining the APC would provide a better platform to fulfill his goals and improve the lives of AMAC residents.
“It was important for us to take a stand, and this decision is in the best interest of our democracy and to ensure progress for the good people of AMAC,” he said.
The chairman emphasized that his decision was made with the welfare of his constituents in mind. “I was elected to lead AMAC, not the entire country. My focus has always been on the interests of AMAC residents, and I have realized that these interests were not being adequately represented in any party other than the APC.”
He further explained that the lack of support from the PDP had led to missed opportunities for AMAC, particularly in terms of federal jobs and interventions. “We are missing out on important benefits from the federal level because of party politics. This is a reality in our political system,” he added.
Maikalangu also raised concerns about the community’s needs, including funding for ecological issues in areas facing deterioration, which he felt would not receive attention due to partisan divides. “We cannot afford to let emotions cloud our judgment. The longer we are deprived of these opportunities, the further we fall behind in our quest for growth and development,” he noted.
The chairman also pointed to other politicians who had made similar moves, citing Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, a former House of Representatives member from AMAC, who joined the APC to run for the 2025 Anambra State governorship election. Ukachukwu, according to Maikalangu, is seeking to bridge the gap between Anambra and the federal government to bring about meaningful change and development.
Additionally, Maikalangu referenced Dr. Kingsley Kelachukwu Okoronkwo, who defected from the Labour Party to the APC due to ongoing disputes and legal challenges within the Labour Party.
Maikalangu concluded by stressing that while his decision might be seen as a strategic move for his political future, it was primarily motivated by the desire to serve the people of AMAC better. He also acknowledged the support of APC chieftain Hon. Gabriel Bravo Oluohu, who encouraged him to make the switch for the benefit of AMAC.
