Presiding Prelate of Our Sanctuary Gospel Church, Nigeria, Bishop Udo Azogu has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) citing the party’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket as reason for his action.
Bishop Azogu announced his decision to leave the party in a letter dated July 12, 2022 and addressed to the Chairman of the APC Oguta Ward B, Town School, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to Bishop Azogu, his decision to quit the APC was informed by the recent developments in the party’s national hierarchy which culminated in the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket which he considers inimical to national cohesion and stability.
Azogu, who is the National President, Oil Mineral Producing Areas Landlords Association of Nigeria (OMPALAN) said he finds it difficult to continue with the party’s new political journey in secular Nigeria being a strong proponent of a peaceful and united Nigeria.
The prelate submitted that he had been an active supporter of the party and the federal government in the implementation of robust policies and programmes but cannot stomach the latest development in the party.
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Bishop Azogu however wished the APC well in its future endeavour.
Recall that many Nigerians have stoutly opposed the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC while some have resigned from the party over since the announcement of Kassim Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate.
They include the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Abubakar Atiku, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Others are Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege on Legal Matters and Senator Elisha Ishaku Abbo, who represents Adamawa North Senatorial Zone.
Atiku, in statement issued shortly after Shettima’s emergence said, “While our opponents might think that there is an easy road to victory in divisive politics, we must get the message across to them that Nigeria has seen the worst shades of exclusionist politics and the road ahead is the path of inclusive and unifying politics. That is what we stand for”.
Atiku’s counterpart in New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso said in a statement, “My only worry is the platform, APC. This platform, I don’t know”.
Those who have resigned from the APC in protest of Shettima’s emergence include Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege on Legal Matters.
Bwala in a tweet, stated, “Tonight, I officially resigned my membership of APC on principles and conviction that I hold so dear. At this time of our national existence, our efforts and energy should gravitate towards uniting our people”
Also Sen. Elisha Ishaku Abbo who represents Adamawa North Senatorial District in Atiku’s home state, Adamawa has resigned from Tinubu Support Group.
According to Abbo, “It is very irresponsible of Tinubu to take his political survival over the stability and peace of Nigeria”.
Abbo added, “For Tinubu now to be given the ticket and turn around to do what he could not achieve in 2015 despite opposition from Catholics and other Christian leaders, is extremely irresponsible.”
Tinubu’s counterpart in Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, would rather not be concerned with the internal affairs of another party concerning choice of running mate.
He said he would rather be concerned with his party’s mantra of “moving Nigeria from consumption to production”.
