Tonye Princewill, a former governorship candidate in Rivers State has dumped the All Progressives Congress following the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu’s decision to fly a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 election.
Recall that Bola Tinubu picked former Governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima, as his running mate on Sunday, July 10.
The Chieftain of the APC and an ally to the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who contested the governorship position in the state under the Labour Party in 2015, resigned from the ruling party in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the APC in his ward, Tahhed Royal Ward in Buguma, Asar Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State and dated July 12, 2022.
Thanking Amaechi who he called his leader for all his efforts, Tonye said it is insensitive for the ruling party to fly a Muslim-Muslim ticket despite religious and political protests across the country.
He said: “I can’t argue for equity in my state and defend inequity in my country.
“While I appreciate my leader, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi and all his efforts, I cannot defend the decision of my party, in fielding a Muslim-Muslim ticket, especially at a time like this, against all protestations from well-meaning Nigerians, across religious and political divides.
“It sets a very wrong precedent, it is totally insensitive and even if you win, will prove bad to good governance.
“Under these dire circumstances, I find no justification to still remain, in good conscience, a member of a political party that subordinates electoral victory over the safety of lives and the peace of mind of its citizens.
“The men and women of our party here in Rivers are the most loyal and faithful supporters I have met. They know what is right and wrong.
“And they know me. I enjoyed working with them and I’m so sad to leave. But an APC party that totally disregards the basics of the same equity we preach, is alien to me.
“Buhari resisted the same temptation and chose a little-known Osinbajo and won. By doing this, Tinubu is saying that a northern Christian has no electoral value. My staying means I agree.
“I wish you well. And I remain grateful to our leader (Rotimi Amaechi), but I can not defend the indefensible, to be totally honest, neither should you.”
