A guber aspirant and House of Representatives candidate in 2023 elections, businessman and political figure, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, on Monday formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during a familiarisation visit to Mogaji Ngeri Ward in Ilorin, declaring that his political movement would focus on grassroots engagement, national unity and community-based security solutions.
Ajia, a title holdres of the Dan Amanan Fune Emirate of Yobe State and Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item in Abia State, was presented with the party’s broom, the APC symbol by the ward chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Muritala Oforo, at the Gegele ward secretariat amid cheers from supporters.
The event was attended by the Executive Chairman of Ilorin West Local Government, Hon. Shehu Abdulrahman Babatunde Ladan; Senior Special Assistant (Political), Hon. Suleiman Aremu Say Kai; women leader Hajia Bukola Galadima; youth leaders Abdulwahab Abaya and other party faithful.
Speaking shortly after his declaration, Ajia described the development as a collective decision of his supporters and community rather than a personal political move.
He explained that the gathering began with prayers led by religious and community leaders, which he said symbolised consensus among residents to support government at both state and national levels.
According to him, the decision followed months of consultations and reflection on Nigeria’s political and security realities and was driven by patriotism and the need to contribute to national stability.
Drawing from his academic research and experience in the Nigeria Police Force, which he left in 2017, Ajia said insecurity in Nigeria cannot be solved through force alone. He noted that his doctoral research focused on community policing and national security, adding that citizen participation and intelligence sharing remain the most effective means of preventing violence.
He stressed that criminals must be seen as enemies of the state rather than of any ethnic, religious or political group, maintaining that cooperation between communities, traditional rulers and security agencies is essential to lasting peace.
Ajia expressed confidence in the security direction of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the leadership role of Christopher Musa as evidence of commitment to tackling insecurity. He said professional leadership at the national level must be complemented by grassroots cooperation and intelligence gathering in order to produce sustainable results.
He also announced a nationwide grassroots mobilisation initiative aimed at explaining government policies and encouraging civic participation.
According to him, the movement would work with existing support groups to reach local communities, correct misunderstandings about reforms and promote national unity. He dismissed suggestions that his defection was driven by personal political ambition, stating that his actions were guided by community interest and national wellbeing.
The APC member urged Nigerians to support ongoing reforms, noting that policy changes often produce temporary hardship before long-term stability.
He referenced student support initiatives, economic restructuring and sector reforms as indicators of progress, adding that patience and patriotism were necessary during periods of transition.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ilorin West Local Government described Ajia’s defection as a significant political development, noting that his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party would reshape local political dynamics. Supporters at the event also described his entry into the ruling party as a major gain, expressing optimism that his grassroots influence and security experience would strengthen party structures in the state.
Ajia concluded by urging Nigerians to prioritise unity over partisanship and contribute useful information to security agencies, stressing that the country’s future depends on collective responsibility. He reaffirmed that his entry into the APC was driven by service rather than the pursuit of elective office and pledged to work with government at all levels to promote peace, stability and better living conditions for citizens.