The founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr Boniface Aniebonam, has said that President Bola Tinubu is not compelling politicians to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Aniebonam explained that joining or leaving any political party in Nigeria remains a matter of personal choice.
“We have not seen anyone being forced at gunpoint to defect to the APC or any other party. Politicians are joining based on their personal decisions,” he said.
Speaking in Lagos on Friday, Aniebonam, who also serves as the NNPP’s Board of Trustees Chairman, made the remarks while reacting to the recent wave of defections by governors and lawmakers from various parties to the APC.
According to him, it is unfair to accuse President Tinubu of trying to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
“There are 18 registered political parties in Nigeria, which clearly supports a multi-party democracy. Even if some governors from the PDP or other parties move to the APC, that doesn’t make Nigeria a one-party nation,” he stated.
He added that the President has the right to welcome new members into his party. “President Tinubu has made it clear that anyone who wants to join the APC is free to do so. It is their democratic right. Similarly, the APC is free to seek more members and prepare for re-election,” he said.
Aniebonam stressed that claims about Nigeria drifting toward a single-party system are baseless since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not deregistered any political party.
He urged politicians to understand that voters are becoming more politically aware and will not be easily influenced by party movements.
The NNPP founder also criticised some governors for poor governance at the state level, noting that they often seek refuge in the ruling party for protection.
“Many governors have failed to deliver in their states. They believe joining the APC will give them a second chance or shield them from investigations,” he said.
Aniebonam warned the APC to be cautious about the large number of politicians crossing over. “The party should be careful. When systems weaken, politicians can switch sides overnight,” he added.
He advised citizens to express their opinions responsibly and encouraged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor state governments closely.
“Governors who have misused state funds should be investigated and prosecuted when necessary,” he said.
The NNPP leader also urged President Tinubu to keep focusing on policies that benefit ordinary Nigerians.
“We encourage the President to continue prioritising the welfare of Nigerians and to make policies that serve the greater good,” he said.
Aniebonam also called on institutions like INEC, the judiciary, and law enforcement agencies to perform their duties effectively for national progress.
He added that the NNPP remains open to all Nigerians who want to contest elections, saying that no one is being stopped from testing their popularity.
“President Tinubu has done nothing wrong. He has not pressured anyone to join the APC. Only bad workmen blame their tools and resort to name-calling,” Aniebonam concluded.