Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), on Saturday, May 11, 2013 as party members during the ANPP dissolution convention in Gusau, Zamfara State unanimously resolved to endorse the ongoing merger with the two major political parties in the country, stressed that time has come for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to start preparing to be in opposition come 2015. He stated that the Merger Party, All Progressives Congress (APC) came at the right time to rescue the country from imminent collapse and incessant bomb blasts and violence.

Over 6,000 delegates from the thirty six states and Abuja, who are members of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, converged in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, Saturday, May 11, 2013 to unanimously approve the recommendation of its merger committee, to merge with the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN; and the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC; to form a mega party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. The motion for the merger was moved by Suleiman Argungu, former Deputy Governor of Kebbi State. It was seconded by the party’s chairman in Cross Rivers State, Martins Bisson. The party’s national legal adviser, Salisu Fagge, who moderated the session thereafter asked the delegates to raise their hands if they agree to the motion moved by Mr. Argungu. The motion was unanimously passed.

The national chairman of the party, Ogbonnaya Onu, in his speech, said the National Working Committee under his leadership restored the party’s image in the eyes of Nigerians. He stated that when the present party administration took over two and a half years ago, many had difficulty, distinguishing ANPP from the ruling party PDP but now however, the ANPP has a distinct image as an independent political party full of promise

while promoting strong internal democracy. Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu also said the 14 years of PDP rule has brought nothing but unnecessary killings: “Nigeria at the moment knows no peace, yet we are not at war. People go to Churches and Mosque, unsure if they will return alive, most families cannot provide lunch and dinner, and many children go to bed on empty stomach.” Despite Nigeria being rich, most Nigerians are poor.

Dr Ogbonnaya Onu reiterated that politics without opposition is in vain and is like business without competitors. Opposition is necessary for a healthy and enduring democracy in Nigeria. He said that imposing one political party on the citizens of a country often degenerates and leads to disaster as has been the case and the sad experience of some Arab nations and other countries facing internal crises and social disasters resulting from denial of transparency and democratic justice.  “We as a nation,” he insisted, “agree to strand firm for a change from the existing reign of confusion, injustice, selfishness and focus-less leadership of the ruling party.” A total of 6,054 delegates from the 36 states of the federation and Abuja attended the event at the Zamfara Trade Fair complex.