Tinubu not forcing politicians to join APC – NNPP founder

Founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, has said that politicians defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are doing so of their own free will and not under pressure from President Bola Tinubu.

Aniebonam, who also serves as Chairman of the NNPP Board of Trustees, stated this on Friday in Lagos while reacting to the wave of defections by governors and other political figures to the ruling party.

He said political party membership in Nigeria remains voluntary, adding that no one has been compelled to join the APC.

“We are yet to see any politician who defected to the APC or any other party in Nigeria at gunpoint. These are matters of personal conviction and choice,” he said.

The NNPP founder dismissed claims that Tinubu was attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, noting that the country’s constitution recognises 18 registered political parties.

“Even if all PDP governors and others join the APC, it does not make Nigeria a one-party state. The President has said he will not stop anyone who wishes to join the APC because it is their right,” he said.

Aniebonam, however, warned that the APC should be cautious about the influx of defectors, saying many politicians cross over to seek protection or political advantage rather than to serve the people.

“Many governors are not doing enough for their states and believe joining the APC will give them cover from investigations. The APC must be careful; it is easier to fight from within than from outside,” he added.

He urged Nigerians to remain politically conscious and called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to hold state governments accountable for the misuse of public funds.

“Any governor found to have embezzled state funds should be investigated and prosecuted accordingly,” he said.