Mr. Tonye Princewill, political associate of the former minister of transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the picking of a Muslim running mate by Mr. Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu unveiled the former governor of Borno State, Mr. Kashim Shettima, as his running mate last Sunday.
In his resignation letter addressed to his ward chairman in Rivers State, Princewill said he would not be able to defend the Muslim-Muslim ticket option of the party.
He said there is no justification to remain in the party.
“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.
“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 (Amaechi), but I cannot defend the indefensible, to be totally honest, neither should you,” he wrote.
Similarly, Mr. Daniel Bwala, special adviser to the deputy senate president on political matters, Mr. Ovie Omo-Agege, resigned his membership of the party.
Bwala based his decision “principles and conviction”, adding that his resignation took effect from Sunday, July 10.
He said all efforts in the country should “gravitate towards uniting our people”.
“Tonight I officially resigned my membership of @OfficialAPCNg on principles and conviction that I hold so dear. At this time of our national existence, our efforts and energy should gravitate towards uniting our people,” he tweeted.
Earlier, another associate of Amaechi and former acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, also resigned her membership of the party.
Semenitari who served as commissioner for information and communications in Rivers State during Amaechi’s tenure as governor was a member of the campaign team of the vice president, Prof Yemi Osibanjo who contested the presidential primary of the APC ahead of the 2023 election.
Seminitari’s resignation from the party was contained in a letter addressed to her Ward chairman in Ward 5, Okrika local government area of the state dated June, 9, 2022.
While appreciating the party for the solidarity and opportunity it provided to serve in various capacities both in the state and the country at large, she wished the ruling party well.
The letter reads: “I write to resign my membership of the APC with effect from today.
“I appreciate the friendship, camaraderie and opportunity that this platform has provided me to serve my state, region and country, even as I wish the party well.
“Please be assured of my regards always.”
