By Folayimika Akanbi
A 2019 governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Dr Mohammed Ajia Ibrahim, has dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ajia announced his decision to join the ruling party in a statement he personally signed and issued on Monday, citing the efforts of the government to genuinely tackle insecurity in the country with the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence.
He clarified that his resolve to align with the APC was not on account of ambition to vie for political office, saying that he has had to decline appointment into public office since he resigned from the Nigeria Police Force.
“It is important to clearly state that my decision to join the APC is not driven by
any ambition to contest for elective office or seek political appointment. Since
my resignation from the Nigeria Police Force in 2017, I have not accepted
any political appointment from any government. I have continued to serve
my country quietly and consistently in my personal capacity, and that
remains my chosen path of service,” the 2023 PDP House of Representatives flag-bearer for Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency said.
Ajia, who explained that he decided to pitch tent with the APC after consultations, described the ruling party as a realistic platform through which he would have meaningful contributions to the nation’s safety and
survival.
While applauding the choice of General Musa as Defence Minister, the politician observed that Nigeria can surmount her security challenges with combination of
professionalism at the top and community understanding at the base.
“In the past few months, I have taken my time to look at all the political
options before me. I reflected deeply, consulted widely, and examined my
conscience as a Nigerian and as someone who has devoted his life to public service and security.
“After this careful consideration, I came to a clear conclusion that at this critical moment in our national history,
the All Progressives Congress (APC) offers the most realistic platform
through which I can continue to contribute meaningfully to the safety and
survival of our country.
“One of the key reasons that strengthened my resolve was the appointment of General Christopher Musa, first as Chief of Defence Staff and later as Minister of Defence by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. General Musa is a professional I know very well. He is frank, disciplined, and uncompromising when it comes to matters of national security. He is not the type that treats insurgency,
banditry, or criminality with bias or sentiment.
“His appointment reassured me that the present administration understands the gravity of the security crisis confronting Nigeria and is prepared to confront it with resolute commitment
and seriousness.
“My understanding of our security challenges is not from the theoretical
perspective but from a well-grounded practical experience. With due
modesty, I understand the nature of the problem, why it has persisted for so
long, and where previous efforts fell short. I also understand the complicity of
the younger generation in this crisis, not because they are inherently bad, but
because many of them have been neglected, manipulated, and pushed into
violence by circumstances.
“I have remained in touch with this generation, and I believe strongly that without engaging them meaningfully with
understanding and compassion, Nigeria cannot defeat insecurity. This is why I have chosen to align myself with efforts aimed at tackling insurgency and all forms of insecurity. I am ready to support this process with my deep knowledge of Nigeria’s security problems, my experience, and my connection with the grassroots,” Ajia said.
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