By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – In protest of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim ticket, Tonye Princewill, a chieftain of the Party in Rivers State and ally of ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has resigned his membership over the same religion presidential and vice-presidential ticket.
The Party’s flagbearer, Bola Tinubu, a muslim from the Southwest, on Sunday, announced Sen. Kashim Shettima, former Governor of Borno, also a Muslim, as his running mate.
In reaction, the politician said he was resigning from the Party because would not be able to defend the Muslim-Muslim ticket opted for by the party.
He said: “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.”
365Daily recalls that Bwala, a member of the ruling Party and legal aide to Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, also resigned from the Party in protest.