A former governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Princewill, on Tuesday, dumped the All Progressives Congress over the party’s decision to have a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the presidential election in 2023.
APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, had on Sunday announced former Borno State governor, Senator Kashim Shettima, as his running mate.
Princewill, a philanthropist, chieftain of the APC, and an ally to the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, contested the Rivers State governorship position in 2015 on the platform of the Labour Party.
In his resignation letter addressed to the Chairman of the APC in his ward, Tahhed Royal Ward in Buguma, Asar Toru Local Government Area and dated July 12, 2022, Princewill expressed dismay over the party’s decision to field a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
He said he could not be arguing for equity in his state and at the same time defend inequality in the country.
Princewill, who thanked Amaechi, who he called his leader for all his efforts, he said it was insensitive for the APC to go ahead with the decision inspite of protests from religious and political divides across the country.
Princewill’s letter partly read, “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.”