Prince Tonye Princewill, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in River State has dumped the party in protest over the emergence of Muslims as the presidential candidate and running mate of the party for the 2023 election.
Princewill, who had contested as a governorship candidate of different political parties in Rivers at various times, said this in a letter of resignation he addressed to the chairman of Rivers APC, a copy of which was made available to journalists on Tuesday.
He added that he is quitting the APC because he cannot in good conscience as a Christian defend the choice of Muslims as the presidential candidate and running mate of the party.
Princewill further argued that in the past, “President Muhammadu 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 stay means I agree”.
He added that he cannot argue for equity in his state and defend inequity in the country.
Princewill said while he appreciates his leader, Rotimi Amaechi and all his efforts, he cannot defend the decision of his party, in fielding a Muslim-Muslim ticket against all protestations from well-meaning Nigerians, across religious and political divides.
The presidential candidate of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Muslim with the backing of the party, picked former Governor Kassim Shettima of Bornu State. “The APC pointed out the choice sets a very wrong precedent and it is totally insensitive and even if the party wins, it will prove bad for good governance.
“Under these dire circumstances, I find no justification to 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”, Princewill stressed.