He said his exit was largely driven by what he described as a lack of internal structure within the APC that properly rewards loyalty, dedication, and consistent effort among members.
In a phone interview on Monday, Alhaji Jika stated that his years of involvement in establishing and strengthening the APC in Taraba State were not properly recognized.
He explained that despite committing substantial personal time, financial support, and energy to building the party, his contributions were not acknowledged by the leadership.
He further expressed dissatisfaction with the way party affairs were managed, noting that both state and national leaders often failed to include long-standing members in key decisions.
According to him, this created a sense of exclusion among those who played foundational roles in the party’s growth.
Reflecting on his political history, the former APC leader recalled being part of the early group that worked to establish the party’s presence in Taraba State.
He said their efforts were focused on making the party competitive and widely accepted within the state’s political landscape.
He lamented that despite being among the founding figures, he and others with similar backgrounds were frequently left out of major consultations and engagements.
He added that newer members were increasingly given more visibility and influence within the party structure, while early contributors were sidelined.
Alhaji Jika emphasized that his resignation was not motivated by personal gain but by what he described as persistent neglect of those who laid the foundation of the party in the state.
He also recalled the early challenges faced during the formation of the APC, noting that many people were initially reluctant to associate with the party, but he remained committed to its development.
He said, “Many people assume that because I am a Muslim, I would not work with a Christian, but I have always shown that I am not driven by religious bias.
In fact, I worked with a Christian from the same senatorial district as the current governor, whom I have repeatedly criticized for poor performance.
His defection to the APC has not changed anything, as we are still faced with unfulfilled promises and new ones being made.”
He concluded that his move to the PDP was a result of prolonged dissatisfaction with how the APC treated its founding members and handled internal party affairs.
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