By Correspondent
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers State, and an ally of Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, Mr. Tonye Princewill, resigned his membership of the ruling party earlier today, July 12, 2022.
While condemning the Tinubu/Shettima, Muslim-Muslim APC presidential ticket, in a rare display of courage and nationalism, the former Labour Party Governorship candidate explained that, he found no justification to remain in APC under the insensitive circumstance.
Tonye accused Bola Ahmed and APC of subordinating electoral victory over the safety of lives and the peace of mind of Nigerians. To him, Tinubu’s choice shows that northern Christians have no electoral value.
“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 am so sad to leave.
“But an APC party that totally disregards the basics of the same equity we preach, is alien to me.
“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.”
A source offered information to Midwest Herald that, the APC in Rivers State, will witness “considerable defections” before the February 2023 general elections.