By Emeka Obitube (Umunna TV)
Popular Nollywood star and Enugu born politician of the All Progressive Congress (APC) , Kenneth Okonkwo has resigned his membership of his party.
Okonkwo who made this known in a press statement released through his verified social media page Monday 11 July, 2022 stated that his decision to resign his membership of the party was based on the principles of equity, justice, fairness, and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria.
Recall that yesterday the APC presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Daura announced two-term former Governor of Borno state and Senator representing Borno Central in the Senate; Senator Kashim Shettima, as his running mate for the 2023 general election.
The Nollywood star condemned the decision of the party to run a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket for the general election next year and that prompted his membership resignation from the party.
The actor in a letter to the Chairman of APC in Nkpunano Ward Nsukka, wrote;
“Recall that I joined APC because of its Constitutional vow, as true Progressives and Patriots, to eliminate all forms of discrimination and social injustice in Nigeria, thereby building a Nation which will guarantee equal opportunity for all and ensure mutual and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.”
“Recall that we have lived up to this vow in our ward by ensuring that the Chief Imam of Army Barrack Mosque, who is a member of our ward, is carried along, as an executive member of our ward and his input carried along in all we do, under my leadership of the ward.”
“Those ideals are now alien to the APC, with their unfortunate decision to paint our Muslim brothers in bad light, by insinuating that the Muslims in Nigeria will not accept or vote for a Northern Christian as Vice-President to pair with a Southern Muslim.”
“If Muslims could vote voluntarily for Southern Christian Presidents, it is then a fallacy to insinuate that they cannot accept a Northern Christian Vice-President. This will permanently destroy the political viability of Northern Christians in Nigeria, if allowed to stand. This is in addition to their failure to protect the lives and property of Nigerians, which should be their primary responsibility. The economy is also in tatters.”
“Being the convener of the Campaign for Equity and Justice in Nigeria, and as a former member of APC Presidential Campaign Council, which resisted same- religion Presidential ticket in the past, I can no longer continue to lend my name to these abnormalities in the interest of mutual peaceful coexistence, integration and progress of our beloved country, Nigeria.”
“I, therefore, resign my membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to enable me focus on building the Nigeria of our dream with the motto: Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.”
“Please accept the assurances of my warmest regards and best wishes.”
There was no clear announcement or decision of his next political movement or alliance ahead of the next political season come 2023.
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