Nationalization is the transfer of a sector of the private economy into the hands of the State, whereas privatization means the sale of partial or total shares of a public company to private capital.

The ANPP began as All Peoples Party (APP) in 1998 but, it has since May 2002 changed its name to All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP). Its pioneer National Chairman was Alhaji Mahmud Waziri. Those who have served in the position after him include Alhaji Aliyu Akwei Doma, Chief Alani Bankole, Alhaji Yussuf Ali, Governor Attahiru Bafarawa (interim Chairman), Chief Don Etiebet, Governor Bunu Sheriff Musa (interim Chairman), Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, and Dr. Ogbonaya Onu.