The Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Zaphaniah Jisalo, on Wednesday, received Micah Jiba, a former member of the House of Representatives, into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Jiba, who represented the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency and served two terms as the chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), recently defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking at a reception held in his honour in Abuja, Mr Jisalo, also the APC leader in the FCT, described Mr Jiba’s entry as a long-awaited but “fulfilled” milestone for the party.

“I was in APC to prepare a way for you. Even if the road was blocked, I was ready to accept you.

“Today, he has the same ranking as those who joined years ago; we are all together to ensure the success of the area council elections,” Mr Jisalo said.

The minister urged party supporters to mobilise votes for APC candidates in the six area councils ahead of the forthcoming council elections.

In his remarks, AMAC chairman Christopher Maikalangu described the former lawmaker as a political asset.

“Politics is all about interests. My big brother, Jiba, is bringing a wealth of experience and a large number of followers to the party. With him, APC will record a landslide victory in the FCT,” Mr Maikalangu stated.

The FCT APC chairman, Abdulmalik Usman, said the defection came at a strategic time as the party intensified preparations for the upcoming polls.

Responding, Mr Jiba reiterated that his decision to leave the PDP was prompted by the “disarray” within his former party.

“I cannot stay in a party facing numerous issues. Now that I am in the APC, there is no going back.

“I am here to contribute my quota to the party’s development and ensure its success at all levels,” Mr Jiba said.

(NAN)