Tinubu Not Forcing Politicians To Join APC Says NNPP Founder

Founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, has said that President Bola Tinubu is not compelling politicians to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that party membership in Nigeria remains a matter of personal choice.

Speaking in Lagos on Friday, Aniebonam said no politician has been forced at gunpoint to join the APC or any other political party, describing recent defections by some governors and lawmakers as individual decisions driven by personal interests.

He dismissed claims that Tinubu was attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, stressing that the country’s democratic system allows for multiple parties. “We have 18 registered political parties in Nigeria. Even if most governors move to the APC, it doesn’t make Nigeria a one-party state,” he said.

The NNPP leader noted that President Tinubu, like any politician, has the right to welcome new members and seek re-election support. He, however, warned that the APC should be cautious about accepting defectors in large numbers, as some politicians may be crossing over for personal protection rather than genuine conviction.

“Many governors are not performing in their states and think joining APC will shield them from investigations,” he said, adding that “it is easier to fight from within than from outside.”

Aniebonam also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate governors suspected of mismanaging public funds, insisting that accountability should not be sacrificed for political convenience.

He advised Nigerians to focus their political grievances properly and avoid unnecessary blame on the president. “Tinubu has the right to seek re-election and to welcome supporters. Those crying about a one-party system are only afraid of losing relevance,” he said.

Aniebonam encouraged President Tinubu to continue prioritizing policies that serve the public good and called on INEC, the judiciary, and security agencies to uphold integrity as the country prepares for the 2027 elections.

He added that the NNPP remains open to Nigerians who wish to test their popularity at the polls, emphasizing that democracy thrives when citizens make informed choices. “The President should be left alone. He has not coerced anybody to join the APC,” he said.