Founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Boniface Aniebonam, has asserted that politicians who are joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) are doing so voluntarily, not under coercion from President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that membership in any Nigerian political party is a matter of personal choice and that there have been no instances of politicians being forced to defect at gunpoint.
The recent wave of defections by governors and elected officials from various parties to the APC has fueled allegations that President Tinubu is trying to create a one‑party system in Nigeria. Aniebonam dismissed these claims, noting that the country currently has 18 registered political parties—a cornerstone of its multi‑party system. He pointed out that President Tinubu has publicly stated he will not prevent anyone from joining the APC, as it is their right to do so, and that the party is free to seek new members and campaign for reelection.
Aniebonam also highlighted that the Independent National Electoral Commission has not deregistered any existing parties, rendering the notion of a one‑party state unfounded. He suggested that some governors may be defecting to the APC to avoid scrutiny and potential investigations into their activities, warning that the party should be cautious in accepting these new members, as they could cause problems from within.
The NNPP leader advised Nigerians to express their thoughts and grievances constructively. While President Tinubu seeks reelection and has the right to welcome new supporters, Aniebonam urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to monitor state governments and investigate any governors who have mismanaged state funds.
The defections of governors and elected officials to the APC have significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape. As the country prepares for upcoming elections, party affiliations and allegiances are likely to continue shifting. Aniebonam’s comments underscore the importance of understanding the complexities of Nigeria’s multi‑party system and the need for transparency and accountability in governance.
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