By Lanre Oloyede
Prince Tonye Princewill, an ally of the former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress, APC
He is the latest party stalwart to dump the ruling party following the APC’s decision to adopt a Muslim-Muslim joint ticket for its 2023 presidential candidate
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate had picked Senator Kashim Shettima, a fellow Muslim and a former Governor of Borno State to be his running mate amidst public outcry and condemnation.
Tonye’s resignation of APC membership came days after some members of the party from Rivers State like Dr Dawari George and Ibim Semintinari, a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission resigned their membership of the party.
The trio is all close allies of former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, and are key figures of the party in the state.
Announcing his exit from the party on Tuesday, Tonye in a letter addressed to the APC Chairman, Ward 3, Buguma City, Asari Toru Local Government Area, hinged his decision to quit on the Muslim-Muslim ticket masterminded by Bola Tinubu, the party’s presidential flag bearer for the 2023 polls.
“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 for good governance,” he said.
He added that “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.”
“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 l cannot defend the Indefensible”, he added
