Tonye Princewill, in a letter addressed to his APC ward 3 Chairman in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers, said the decision was insensitive.
By Emma Ogbuehi
Prince Tonye Princewill, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has resigned his membership of the party, in protest over the decision of the presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to contest the 2023 elections on a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Tinubu on Sunday unveiled the former governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima, as his running mate.
Tonye Princewill, in a letter addressed to his APC ward 3 Chairman in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers, said the decision was insensitive.
“While I appreciate my leader Rt. 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,” he wrote.
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“It sets a very wrong precedent; it is totally insensitive and even if you win, will prove bad for 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 right and they know 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, but I cannot defend the indefensible. And to be totally honest, neither should you.”