- Princewill says ‘I can’ argue for equity in my state and defend inequity in my country’.
A former governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress (AC) in Rivers State and Kalabari prince, Tonye Princewill, has dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Princewill, a staunch ally of the immediate past Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, in a letter dated July 12, 2023 addressed to the Ward Chairman of the party in Asari Toru Local Government Area said his reason for dumping the APC was the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted by it for the presidential candidate and his running mate.
Some other Amaechi loyalists had dumped the APC in the last couple of days. They include Hon. Dawari George, a former House of Representatives member; Hon. Golden Chioma, a former House of Assembly member; Celestine Akpobari, Ogoni and human rights activist, and Ibim Semenitari, Amaechi’s former Commissioner for Information and erstwhile Acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
In his letter of resignation, Princewill expressed appreciation to the former minister for the relationship they shared in the party. However, he stressed that he could not defend the muslim-muslim ticket the party has foisted on Nigerians.
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He said. “ 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 cannot defend the indefensible. And to be totally honest, neither should you”.
