The 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 out of personal choice, not coercion from President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that political party membership in Nigeria remains voluntary, adding that no one has been forced at “gunpoint” to join the ruling party.

Speaking in Lagos on Friday, Aniebonam, who also serves as the Chairman of the NNPP Board of Trustees, dismissed claims that Nigeria is sliding into a one-party state. He noted that the country still has 18 registered political parties, and that the freedom to associate politically is guaranteed by the constitution. “Even if many PDP governors or members of other parties join the APC, it doesn’t make Nigeria a one-party system,” he said.

Aniebonam explained that the current wave of defections is driven largely by politicians seeking personal advantage rather than ideology. He advised the APC to be cautious in admitting defectors, warning that some may only be switching allegiance to escape public scrutiny or investigations. “It’s easier to fight from within than from outside,” he warned, adding that many of those crossing over are not performing effectively in their states.

He also reminded Nigerians that President Tinubu has the constitutional right to grow his party and seek re-election, just as citizens have the right to support or oppose him. “Those shouting about a one-party state are doing so out of fear,” he said. “The real power still lies with the voters, not the politicians.”

The NNPP founder further urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor state governments closely and ensure that any governor found guilty of embezzling public funds faces justice. He maintained that accountability at the state level is critical to improving governance and reducing unnecessary blame on the federal government.