12th July, 2022
Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Prince Tonye Princewill a chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, in River State has dumped the party in protest over emergence of a Muslim as the presidential candidate and running mate of the party respectively 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 chairman of Rivers APC on made available to journalists on Tuesday.
He added that he is quitting the APC because he cannot on good conscience as a Christian defend the choice of a Muslim 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 staying 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 my 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 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 the party wins,it will prove bad for 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”.
He further stated that members of the party in Rivers are the most loyal and faithful supporters he has ever met.
” They know right and they know wrong. And they know me. 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.
Princewill said that while he wishes the party well and remain grateful the Leader of the party, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he cannot remain to defend the indefensible and neither should Amaechi.
See Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill’s letter below
Dear Chairman,
LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM APC
I can’t argue for equity in my state and defend inequity in my country.
While I appreciate my leader Rt 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. 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 right and they know wrong. And they know me. 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, but I can not defend the indefensible. And to be totally honest, neither should you.
Warm Regards,
Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill
B.Eng, MSc, DIC