The founder and chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Celebration (NNPP) Board of Trustees, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, has stated that politicians becoming a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are doing so out of their very own free will and never due to any strain from President Bola Tinubu.
Aniebonam stated this on Friday in Lagos whereas reacting to the wave of defections by governors and lawmakers from opposition events to the ruling APC. He famous that becoming a member of or leaving a political social gathering is a private selection, and there’s no proof that anybody is being compelled to affix the APC.
“We have now not seen anybody defecting at gunpoint. They achieve this primarily based on their private convictions,” he stated.
He dismissed claims that Tinubu is making an attempt to show Nigeria right into a one-party state, saying such allegations are baseless. In keeping with him, Nigeria has 18 registered political events, which proves that the nation nonetheless practices a multi-party system.
“Even when all PDP governors and a few others be part of APC, that doesn’t make Nigeria a one-party state,” he stated.
“The President has stated he received’t cease anybody from becoming a member of APC—it’s their proper. Likewise, the APC has the correct to hunt extra members for re-election.”
He added that Nigerians at the moment are extra politically conscious and can maintain leaders accountable whatever the social gathering they belong to.
Aniebonam additionally accused some governors of poor efficiency, saying a lot of them are defecting to the APC to keep away from investigation.
“Many governors will not be doing a lot for his or her states. They suppose becoming a member of the APC will give them a canopy from scrutiny,” he stated. “However APC have to be cautious—generally the most important issues come from inside.”
He urged the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee (EFCC) to watch state governments intently and prosecute any governor discovered responsible of embezzling public funds.
Aniebonam inspired President Tinubu to proceed prioritising the welfare of Nigerians, whereas additionally calling on establishments like INEC, the judiciary, and regulation enforcement companies to carry out their duties successfully.
He stated the NNPP stays open to all Nigerians who imagine they’re able to main, including that “Tinubu is just not stopping anybody from testing their recognition.”
