By Emmanuel Nduka
Prince Tonye Wilson has become the latest stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State to dump the party, after Dr Dawari George and Ibim Semintinari, a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, resigned their membership of the party last week.
The trio are all close allies of former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, and are key figures of the party in the state.
Announcing his exit from the party on Tuesday, Tonye in a letter addressed to the APC Chairman, Ward 3, Buguma City, Asari Toru Local Govemment Area, hinged his decision to quit on the Muslim-Muslim ticket masterminded by Bola Tinubu, the party’s presidential flagbearer for the 2023 polls.
“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 protestatians from well meaning Nigerians, across religious and political divides.
“It sets a very wrongcprecedent, it is totally Insensitive and even if you win, will prove bad for good governance,” he said.
He added that “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.
“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 gratehul to our Leader, but l can not defend the Indefensible.”
Heritage Times HT had reported that Tinubu handpicked Kashim Shettima, a fellow Muslim and a former Governor of Borno State to be his running mate amidst public outcry and condemnation.
Tinubu’s decision may further deepen the already existing religious divide across Nigeria.
