Tonye Princewill, a previous candidate for governor of Rivers State, has left the APC because of its Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2023 presidential election.
Senator Kashim Shettima, a former governor of Borno State, was chosen by the party’s presidential candidate Bola Tinubu to be his running mate.
In 2015, Primcewill, a philanthropist, APC leader, and supporter of former transportation minister Rotimi Amaechi, stood for governor of the state as a candidate for the Labour Party.
On July 12, 2022, he sent a letter containing his resignation to the APC ward chairman in Tahhed Royal Ward in Buguma, Asar Toru Local Government Area.
Princewill said he could not argue for equity in his state and defend inequality in the nation, expressing his disappointment that the party had chosen to run a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
He thanked Amaechi, whom he referred to as his leader, for all his efforts but also criticized the party for acting insensitively in the face of nationwide demonstrations from various religious and political groups.
The letter read in part, “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.
“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 (Rotimi Amaechi), but I can not defend the indefensible, to be totally honest, neither should you.”
