Tonye Princewill, an associate of former Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi has quit the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Princewill said he decided to resign from the party over its choice of Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2023 presidential election.
Recall that the presidential candidate of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who is a Yoruba Muslim, announced Senator Kashim Shettima, who is a Kanuri Muslim, as his running mate on Sunday.
Since the announcement, there has been controversy over the same-faith ticket, with many stakeholders saying it failed to reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity.
In his resignation letter addressed to his ward chairman in Rivers State, Princewill said he found it impossible to defend the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
“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,” Princewill said.
The Herald earlier reported that another party member and veteran Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo equally resigned his membership of the party over the matter.