The founder and chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Board of Trustees, Dr. Boniface
Aniebonam, has stated that politicians joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) are doing so out of their own volition
and not due to any coercion from President Bola Tinubu. Aniebonam made the remarks on Friday, October 17, 2025, in
Lagos, while addressing the recent wave of defections by governors and lawmakers from opposition parties to the ruling APC.
He emphasized that switching political parties is a personal decision and that there is no evidence of anyone being
forced to join the APC. “We have not seen anyone defecting at gunpoint. They do so based on their personal convictions,”
Aniebonam said. He dismissed claims suggesting that President Tinubu is attempting to establish a one-party state in
Nigeria, describing such allegations as unfounded. According to him, the existence of 18 registered political parties
in Nigeria demonstrates that the country continues to operate a multi-party system. “Even if all PDP governors and some
others join APC, that doesn’t make Nigeria a one-party state,” he added.“The President has said he won’t stop anyone from joining
APC, it’s their right. Likewise, the APC has the right to seek more members for re-election.”Aniebonam further noted that
Nigerians are now more politically conscious and will hold leaders accountable irrespective of their party affiliations. He criticized some governors
for poor governance, suggesting that many are defecting to APC to evade scrutiny. “Many governors are not doing much for
their states. They think joining the APC will give them a cover from scrutiny,” he said.“But APC must be careful sometimes
the biggest problems come from within.”He called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to
closely monitor state governments and prosecute any governor found guilty of embezzling public funds. Aniebonam
encouraged President Tinubu to continue prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians while urging institutions such as the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, and law enforcement agencies to perform their duties effectively. He concluded by
reiterating that the NNPP remains open to all Nigerians who believe they have the capacity to lead, emphasizing that:> “Tinubu is not stopping anyone from testing their popularity.”
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