By Gabriel Enogholase
BENIN — Former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun,  says  the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP,  would be glad to welcome into the fold any leader or groups of persons.

He, however, added that the party will not impose candidates come 2011 general elections, saying that any one that want to fly the flag of the party in the elections must subject himself to the constitution of the party.

Chief Oyegun, who was reacting to a statement credited to ANPP Board of Trustees, Chairman, Chief Harry Akande,  that former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, would be adopted as its presidential candidate for 2011 should he defect to the party, said “the former military head of state like any other party faithful angling for any political office must comply with the rules of the party” and insisted that all persons who want to contest next year’s election  would  be given equal treatment.

Speaking with Vanguard in Benin, yesterday, Oyegun said: “I hope that Chief Akande was not misquoted. However, we will be glad to welcome into our party,  any leader, person or group of persons.”

Such persons would be subjected to the constitution of the party.”

“But for the purpose of canvassing for political offices, we will not impose any person on the party. That would be left for the members of the party to decide who will represent them,” he added.